Well-rounded Bulldogs ready for 40th season

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team is ready for the 2019 season after completion of its preseason games this past weekend. Fifth-year head coach Andy Biggs has developed a well-rounded team across the formation heading into the first game of the season Thursday afternoon versus Iona. 

The Black and Gold boasts a veteran group of eight returning defenders. The defense is led by three of last year's starters, senior Caitlyn Linden (Newtown, Conn.), junior Jamie Irwin (Succasuna, N.J.) and junior goalkeeper Meghan Dalton (West Hartford, Conn.).

The Bulldogs recorded a 1.05 goals-against average last season, good for second in the Northeast Conference. The team was also third in shutouts with six, while goalkeeper Dalton ranked third amongst goalies in the NEC with a 1.13 goal-against average. 

Senior Jaden McCarthy (Smithfield, R.I.), juniors Becca Michaud (Norton, Mass.) and Emily Gordon (Grafton, Mass.) and sophomores Kellie Errasti (Duxbury, Mass.) and Chae Diani (Milton, Mass.) are also back to play a part in this year's seasoned defense. 

"We expect their efforts and ability will allow us to defend well in both our opponents half of the field as well as our own," Biggs said. "The players in the back line have worked at coordinating their movements and positioning this preseason."

Additionally, three freshmen defenders, Melissa Reef (Mansfield, Mass.), Lucy Smith (Humarock, Mass.) and Katrina Stangl (Park Ridge, N.J.) and freshman goalkeeper Jessica Rinaldi (Scarborough, Maine) will be joining the charge this season. 

"Our defense and goalkeepers have had a very good preseason," Biggs said. "We've seen some excellent shot-stopping when needed. When we win the ball, we're excited by their ability to start our attack and help to create scoring opportunities."

After a season of new faces and leadership in the midfield, this year's group possesses an adept pack. A trio of starters in last year's lineup are back, redshirt senior Alex Spangler (Acton, Mass.), senior Remi Manna (Pleasantville, N.Y.) and junior Kylie Ratelle (Chicopee, Mass.). 

Senior Marissa Grasso (Shelton, Conn.) and a pair of sophomores, Corinne Rey (Norton, Mass.) and Eleni Spiratos (Fresh Meadows, N.Y.) are also back to facilitate in the middle of the field. 

The midfield played a key role in the offensive push last season. Manna and Rey had a pair of goals and one assist each, and are looking to keep that drive going into this season. 

"It's been fun to see the progress our midfield has made over the past couple of weeks," said Biggs. "They've been playing with real confidence as reflected in the three goals scored by midfielders in our last scrimmage."

Also joining the veteran group of midfielders is freshman Vanessa Majer (Butler, N.J.).

"The midfielders' commitment to defending has been great, and their decisions in regard to when to drive the team forward quickly and when to change the point of attack to find a better opening have been improving day by day," Biggs said. 

Last season, the Bulldogs landed fourth in the NEC with 1.12 goals per game, and while the front line is losing two of last year's top starters in seniors Cayla D'Amico and Rachel Benz, last season's lead scorer, junior Amanda Spitaleri (Ronkonkoma, N.Y.) will be returning the front of the Black and Gold's formation. 

Spitaleri finished the 2018 season with five goals, tying for fourth in the NEC with four game-winning goals. Juniors Katie Cronin (Feeding Hills, Mass.) and Arin Smalls (Marlborough, Mass.) are also coming back off a strong offensive showing. Cronin was a test for opposing team's defenses with two goals and 11 shots on goal. Smalls further aided in Bryant's attack with two assists. 

"We've been very happy with the play of our forwards over these early days," said Biggs. "As the first line of defense, their efforts to help us win the ball back are a real boost to the team."

Also returning for the Bulldogs at forward is redshirt senior Alison Guilmette (Coventry, R.I.), who is back after an injury last season, along with junior Kristen Bortolotti (Foxborough, Mass.) and sophomores Lexi Kraemer (Forest Hill, Md.) and Abbey Rocker (Danvers, Mass.). New to the Bulldog attack is freshman Madeline Labance (Warwick, N.Y.). 

"When we have the ball, the forwards are taking up good positions to help us move the ball forward effectively while also creating opportunities and scoring goals," said Biggs. 

Bryant kicks off the 2019 season Thursday when the Bulldogs travel to New Rochelle, New York, to face Iona at 3 p.m. To keep up with the team follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.