Frantz's Hat Trick Leads #10 Bryant to 5-2 Victory over Merrimack
September 10, 2007
Bryant Field Hockey Downs Merrimack 5-2
SMITHFIELD, RI. - Sophomore Kelly Frantz (Southbury, CT) posted her first collegiate hat trick as the Bryant field hockey team, ranked tenth nationally, defeated Northeast-10 Conference foe Merrimack College 5-2 Monday night in the home opener at the Bryant Turf Complex.
The Bulldogs came out flying, as Frantz scored two goals less than four minutes apart early in the first half. The first came off a penalty corner at 9:33, with Danielle Moody (Gorham, ME) and Julie Kuchyt (Hatfield, MA) notching the assists. Kuchyt's assist was her first collegiate helper. Frantz's second tally was off a scramble in front of Warrior goaltender Amy Larrabee.
Caitlan Johnson (Walpole, MA) made the score 3-0 at 18:44 blasting a shot off a penalty corner. Kuchyt picked up her second assist of the night and of her career. It was Johnson's second tally of the season.
Courtney O'Brien (Tewksbury, MA) tallied her first goal of the season at 21:55, with Johnson earning the assist. O'Brien weaved through four Warrior defenders as she dribbled to the net. The senior was all over the field tonight, dribbling thru and around her opponents.
Frantz would cap her evening at 51:18, gathering in another loose ball in front, and putting it home for the hat trick.
The Bulldogs fired 16 first-half shots and finished with 20 overall, with Johnson posting a game-high seven.
Katelin Gisonno and Kelly Pasquantonio scored second-half goals for Merrimack who dropped to 1-5 (1-2 NE-10) with the loss.
Before the game, Brandie Simmonds (Shelburne, MA) was named the Northeast-10 Conference Freshman of the Week. Simmonds posted two goals in two matches last week, including her first collegiate tally.
Bryant (4-2, 4-0 NE-10) will continue its three-game homestand Wednesday when they take on Saint Anselm at 7 p.m.