Bulldogs tabbed to finish fifth in the NEC in 2016

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team has been selected to finish fifth in the Northeast Conference Coaches' Poll for the upcoming season, the league officially announced on Monday.

The Bulldogs finished 2015 with a 5-11-3 overall mark, but posted a 4-2-2 conference record en route to the program's first ever NEC Tournament berth under the tutelage of now second-year head coach Andy Biggs.

The Black and Gold return a slew of contributors from last year's team, including NEC First Team selection and junior midfielder, Hannah Crofut (East Amherst, N.Y.) along with 2015 NEC All-Rookie Team members, Alex Ralph (Peterborough, Ont.) and Alex Spangler (Acton, Mass.). Anchoring the defense is senior keeper Kaylan Conrad (Avon, Conn.) who posted the second-most shutouts (6) and saves per game (6.57) in the NEC.

Reigning conference champs Fairleigh Dickinson was picked to defend its crown in the Northeast following an unblemished conference record and 16-6 mark in 2015. The Knights received three first-place votes, one fewer than Central Connecticut which was picked to finish second.

Pennsylvania rounded out the top five, as Robert Morris was chosen third with Saint Francis U taking the fourth spot. Both the Red Flash and Bulldogs received one of the nine first place votes. Sacred Heart, Wagner, LIU Brooklyn and Mount St. Mary's fill out spots six through nine, respectively.

Bryant looks to build off of last year's success when it opens up 2016 play at Stony Brook on Friday, August 19 at 5:00 p.m.