OT goal lifts Bryant over Siena in finale

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - The Bryant University field hockey team wrapped up the 2011 season on a winning note, earning a 2-1 overtime victory over Siena College on Sunday afternoon in Loudonville, N.Y.

The Bulldogs (8-10, 2-5 Northeast Conference) took an early lead on a marker by senior Katherine Andrusin (North Andover, Mass.) at 10:10 of the first half, and sophomore Mallory Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) scored on a breakaway in overtime to secure the victory over the winless Saints (0-18, 0-7).

Despite recording a season-high 27 shot attempts over the course of the game, Siena was aided by an impressive performance by goaltender Beth Meyers, who finished the contest with 18 saves.  Bryant senior Jennifer Gullotti (Waltham, Mass.) was tabbed the starter for the Bulldogs, and picked up her third win of the season on a four-save effort.

Bryant got on the board in the 11th minute of the first frame when Andrusin buried a chance off a scrum in front of the net following a penalty corner.  Classmate Courtney Landi (Kingston, N.Y.) picked up an assist on the play.

Both teams played a close first half, as the Bulldogs held an 8-4 edge in shot attempts.  Siena did earn four penalty corners in the stanza, but could not convert on any of those opportunities.

After halftime, the Bulldogs put more pressure on the home team with a penalty corner in the 40th minute, but were held off the board.  The Saints then began to generate some momentum of their own after three straight shot attempts, but Gullotti was up to the task.

Bryant had a chance to double the lead after being awarded a penalty stroke in the 44th minute, but freshman Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) could not convert on the chance. 

Ten minutes after the penalty stroke, Siena finally broke through with a goal by Michaela Sullivan at 53:47, taking a feed from Cory dela Gorgendiere before putting it into the cage for the equalizer.

Over the final 10 minutes of the second half, Bryant was able to generate four penalty corners, but were unable to score.  Much like the first half, Bryant held a slim 10-7 advantage in total shots in the second frame.

But in overtime, it was all Bryant, as the Bulldogs attempted eight of the first 10 shots before Hancock clinched the win in the 80th minute.  Before the goal, Siena nearly stole the game on a shot by Olivia Whelly, but Gullotti made a huge save to send Bryant back the other way on a counter attack.  After Andrusin sent a pass up the Hancock, the sophomore found herself on a breakaway and eventually put the game-winner past Meyers at 79:38.

The Bulldogs held a 27-13 advantage in total shots, as well as a 16-10 lead in penalty corners.

Be sure to check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com throughout the offseason for continuing coverage of Bryant University field hockey, as well as news, recruiting and schedule updates.

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