Bulldogs fall to Red Flash, 2-1

FIELD HOCKEY DROPS FIRST CONFERENCE CONTEST TO SAINT FRANCIS (PA), 2-1

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite sophomore Rosie Bird's (Hamilton, New Zealand) 10th goal of the season, the Bryant University field hockey team fell to Saint Francis (PA), 2-1, on Sunday.

The Bulldogs (5-10) suffer their first loss in Northeast Conference play this year, falling to 2-1, while the Red Flash stay atop the NEC standings, improving to 3-0.

The visitors were able to get on the board first after earning a penalty corner in the 7th minute of play. Tia Dudukovich slid the ball to Carissa Makea at the top of the circle where Makea fired a shot toward the goal and past Bryant keeper Megan Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine).

The Red Flash continued to keep the action in the Bulldog-defensive half for most of the opening half, however just before halftime, junior Mallory Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) delivered a pass to Bird at the top of the circle. Bird blasted a shot past keeper Katlyn Vitali to even the score at 1-1 heading into the half.

Saint Francis (PA) recorded the eventual game-winner at the 41:14 mark when Autumn Pellman cleaned up a rebound off a Megan Hancock save to put home her 11th tally of the year.

The visitors outshot the Bulldogs, 12-3, in the contest, earning 10 penalty corners compared the Bryant's one. Megan Hancock registered three saves on the day while Vitali stopped one Bryant attempt.

The Bulldogs have only four games remaining on their 2012 slate as they prepare for Monmouth on Friday in West Long Branch, N.J.

For all the latest on Bryant University field hockey, visit BryantBulldogs.com.