Field hockey drops first of road trip

Bird scores again in Bulldogs 2-1 loss to Pacific Friday night

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University field hockey team dropped its first of three matches in California this weekend, losing, 2-1, to the University of the Pacific Friday night.

After another quick start gave the Bulldogs the early, 1-0, advantage, the Tigers answered right back with a score of their own and eventually took the lead for good at the 42:09 mark in a thrilling defensive battle.

Rosie Bird (Hamilton, New Zealand) got off to a strong start in the team's second game of the season, tallying the lone goal for the Bulldogs four minutes into the contest. Bird received a pass from Kayleigh Ballantyne (Gorham, Maine) in the middle of the circle and fired a shot into the back left corner of the net. The goal was Bird's third on the season and Ballantyne's third assist of 2012.

Nearly 30 seconds later, senior Samantha Romero knotted the score for the Tigers, making it 1-1. Just under five minutes into the game, junior Emily Tregoning advanced the ball up the right side of the field before feeding Romero for her first goal of 2012.

Seven minutes into the second half Romero struck again granting the Tigers a 2-1 lead in what would turn out to be the game winner. Senior Dinah Compton dribbled the ball up the right side of the field into the circle to find Romero in front of the net for her second score of the contest.

The two teams were dead even throughout the entire game with the second Pacific goal being the difference maker. Both squads took 13 shots in the contest, and despite the Bulldogs outshooting the opposition 9-4 in the second half they were unable to net the equalizer.

Bryant goalkeeper Megan Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) and Tiger keeper Maggie Corder both recorded five saves in the contest.

Fortunately, the Bulldogs get another chance to earn their second victory of the young season tomorrow when they head to UC Davis in a showdown with the Aggies. Game time is set for Saturday at 3 p.m. EST.

For links to live stats of this weekend's games and all the latest information on Bryant University field hockey, visit BryantBulldogs.com