Bryant hosts NEC leaders this weekend

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University field hockey team kicks off its Northeast Conference schedule this weekend, when it plays host to preseason conference favorites Monmouth University on Friday night (Oct. 7), before squaring off against defending league champion Rider University on Sunday afternoon at the Bryant Track and Turf Complex.  Game times are set for 7 p.m. and 12 p.m., respectively.

 The Bulldogs (6-5) have erased all memories of an 0-3 start to the season, having gone 6-2 since then and will look to carry their September success against the conference's elite squads.  Freshman forward Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) leads the squad with 11 goals in as many contests, and has won back-to-back NEC Rookie of the Week awards.

Sophomore Mallory Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) has been clutch, pacing the team with three game-winning goals – including the squad's only marker against Holy Cross in a 1-0 victory on Oct. 4.  Between the pipes, sophomore Megan Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) boasts a 4-1 record, limiting opponents to 1.82 goals per game while posting a save percentage of .742.  Senior Jennifer Gullotti (Waltham, Mass.) was the goalie of record against the Crusaders, earning her first shutout of the year by virtue of a six-save performance to improve to 2-4 overall while lowering her GAA to 3.18 on the season.

First up for the Black and Gold will be a date against the Hawks (8-4), who enter Friday night's battle on a two-game winning streak.  Both teams have met twice before, with the all-time series tied at 1-1.  Most recently, Monmouth picked up a double-overtime win at home on Oct. 24, 2010, as current-junior forward Michelle Pieczynski broke a scoreless tie with a goal in the 89^th minute for the 1-0 victory. 

On the season, Pieczynski is tied with Bird atop the NEC leader board in goals scored - with 10 apiece.  The latter, however, leads the NEC in goals per game average.  Bird needed only 10 games to score her 11 goals while Pieczynski has 11 markers in 12 games.  Goalkeeper Teresa Mathews has made all 12 starts this season, compiling over 860 minutes between the pipes while making 70 saves.  Aiding Mathews has been defender Nicole Manziano, who has registered a defensive save in five straight games for the Hawks – upping her nation-leading season total to nine.

On Sunday afternoon, Bryant will continue its homestand against defending conference champion Rider, as the Bulldogs will be looking for their first-ever victory in the all-time series.  The Broncs (9-1) took a 3-0 victory over the Bulldogs last season, as Gullotti recorded 18 saves during that game.

The Broncs have won five straight, including victories last week over Big East foe Villanova on Sept. 28 and Patriot League opponent Lehigh on Oct. 2.  Freshman Kate Fanning continued her strong defensive play, helping anchor a defensive unit that allowed only one goal in 140 minutes of play last week.

Two-time NEC Conference Player of the Year Virginia Egusquiza is rounding into form as the Broncs head into conference play.  Against Villanova, Egusquiza notched her 50th career assist before compiling a career-high three goals and eight points against Lehigh.  She now has 10 goals and eight assists this season.  Rebecca Lotito has started all 10 games for the Broncs, keeping opponents off the board to the tune of a 0.93 GAA while boasting a .769 save percentage.

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