Field hockey earns berth in MAAC Tournament

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Coming of its 1-0 overtime win over Robert Morris on Friday night, the Bryant University field hockey team earned a berth to the MAAC Tournament held in Lawrenceville, N.J., on Nov. 8 and 9.

One of three teams to already clinch a spot in the MAAC's first postseason field hockey playoff, the Bulldogs, who currently sit at 3-1 in the league, still have a chance to earn the top seed with two games remaining on their schedule.

"It's truly an honor to earn a postseason bid in our first season in the MAAC," said head coach Shaunessy Saucier. "Each team has continued to improve from year-to-year and we are very proud to have the opportunity to compete for a conference title against such strong opponents."

After a difficult season a year ago, the Black and Gold put together their best season since joining the Division I ranks, racking up a D I best 10 wins, in large part to their program record-tying seven-game win streak during the month of September.

This will mark the second Division I postseason trip for the field hockey program after reaching the Northeast Conference Tournament in 2010. As one of two Bulldog programs fast-tracked to full D I eligibility (Men's Lacrosse), their berth to the 2010 NEC Tournament was the first in Bryant's Division I history.

"This really means a lot to the senior class specifically," added Saucier. "We made this our primary goal at the end of last season and our senior leadership throughout the year can't be overstated enough."

Rider and Quinnipiac make up the other two MAAC teams that have qualified for the postseason with Robert Morris and Monmouth still fighting for the fourth and final spot.

The Bulldogs wrap up their regular season over the weekend with a trip to Quinnipiac on Friday (3 p.m.), before welcoming Sacred Heart to Smithfield on Sunday for Senior Day (12 p.m.). 

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