Bulldogs, Colonials battle to 1-1 draw Sunday in Smithfield

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team wrapped up the 2014 season with a 1-1 draw against Robert Morris Sunday afternoon at Bulldog Soccer Field.

Two Bulldog (4-13-2, 2-4-2 Northeast Conference) seniors connected in the 14th minute to grant Bryant the early 1-0 edge when Emily Barbato (Sutton, Mass.) and Suzanne Sanders (West Chester, Pa.) linked up for Barbato's second marker of the season, but the Colonials (4-11-4, 2-3-3 NEC) took advantage of a Bulldog miscue, converting a penalty kick in the 77th minute to pick up the point in both team's season finale.

In the 14th minute, Sanders made a beautiful move to get the ball into the far right side of the box, sending a perfectly placed cross to Barbato who fired home her second goal of the 2014 season.

Bryant continued its dominance through the end of the first half and for the majority of the second frame, outshooting Robert Morris, 28-11, and earning 17 corners compared to the visitors three. But RMU took advantage of its sole opportunity of the day when Melissa Ercoli converted a PK in the 77th minute to force the match into overtime.

In the extra period, the Black and Gold came as close to scoring as seemingly possible without putting a ball into the back of the net with multiple opportunities from Katy Biagi (Natick, Mass.), Hannah Crofut (East Amherst, N.Y.) and Sanders, but timely goaltending from RMU keeper Becky Schoenecker preserved the 1-1 tie.

Shoenecker made a game-high 16 saves in net, while the Colonial defense made a pair of saves themselves. Bryant GK Kaylan Conrad (Avon, Conn.) made three saves in her 19th and final start of the season.

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