Bulldogs drop MAAC opener at Sacred Heart in OT

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Despite freshman Bethany Winkin's (Winslow, Maine) third goal of the year, the Bryant University field hockey team fell to Sacred Heart, 2-1, in overtime Sunday afternoon in Fairfield, Conn.

The Bulldogs (3-9, 0-1 MAAC) open MAAC play with their third overtime contest of the season (0-3), while the Pioneers pick up a big win to start league play off on the right note.

The hosts struck first at the 4:32 mark of the first half when Danielle Gallagher collected a save by Megan Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) and fired it back home to give the Pioneers the early 1-0 lead.

However, Bryant answered right back less than 10 minutes later when Victoria Danby (Lancaster, Maine) drew out Sacred Heart keeper Mary Altepeter and found Winkin in front of the net for the equalizer at the 13:27 mark.

The two teams played to a draw for the final 56 minutes of regulation to force overtime where Sarah Bergman scored the game winner off a penalty stroke at the 76:24 mark.

Hancock made six saves in her 12th start of the season, while Altepeter stopped just one Bryant chance, allowing the lone goal.

Looking forward, the Bulldogs return to Smithfield for the final two games of the season at the Bryant Turf Complex over the weekend when they host Siena on Friday (7 p.m.) and Quinnipiac on Sunday (12 p.m.)

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