Bryant wraps up homestand with Pacific

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Looking to win back-to-back games for the first time in 2011, the Bryant University field hockey team will welcome the University of the Pacific for a Monday afternoon non-league tilt.  Game time is set for 12 p.m.

The two teams will be meeting for the first time ever.  The Bulldogs (1-3) will look to close out their three-game homestand with a second win after downing BIG EAST foe Georgetown on Friday (Sept. 9).  The Tigers (1-3), meanwhile, will look to rebound after a tough loss against Providence yesterday.

Three different players tallied goals for Bryant during its last outing, with Mallory Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) opening up the scoring at 20:37 for her first marker of the season.  Katherine Andrusin (North Andover, Mass.)doubled the lead seven minutes later, and Kayleigh Ballantyne (Gorham, Maine) buried the Hoyas late in the game with a strike in the 58^th minute.  Sophomore netminder Megan Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) turned away three shots in a winning effort.

Monday's meeting will mark the third game in four days for the Tigers, who are completing a three-game tour against Rhode Island opponents.  Pacific came away with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brown on Sept. 9, but most recently dropped a 4-1 decision to Providence on Sunday, Sept. 11.  Amanda Spellman and Tarah Trotter are tied for the team lead in scoring with two goals apiece. 

Following tomorrow's game, Bryant will hit the road for back-to-back bouts against Ivy League opponents.  First, the Bulldogs will travel to Hanover, N.H., for matchup with Dartmouth on Sunday, Sept. 18.  Two days later, the Black and Gold will return to the Ocean State to take on Brown on Sept. 20. 

For continuing coverage of Bryant field hockey, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.