Bulldogs travel to take on Quinnipiac Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Columbia Sunday at 1 p.m.

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Coming off a heartbreaking overtime loss to Holy Cross, the Bryant University field hockey team faces their first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponent on the road against Quinnipiac on Friday, Oct. 9 at 3:30 p.m. and nonconference foe Columbia on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Bulldogs (2-9) look to turn the tide in league play, after losing six of 11 matches by one score, three of which occurred in overtime.

"We are hitting a point in our game, where we are starting to play our best hockey, both on the field and during practice," said assistant coach Carla Johl. "All of these close games and overtime pressure situations are only going to benefit and prepare us, as we move into conference play."

The Black and Gold are ready for Friday's games, after the Bobcats (3-8) defeated the Bulldogs during double overtime in Smithfield, last season. There will also be a familiar face on the opposing sideline, following the Bobcats' hire of previous Bryant field hockey defender Kelsey Hiltebeitel, as an assistant coach.

"I'm really excited for her [Hiltebeitel] coaching career and I respect Becca Main," said head coach Shaunessy Saucier. "Quinnipiac is always a very organized team and they are a very strong opponent in our conference. It will be a great test to start off our league play."

The Bobcats are headed by a number of players offensively, but Michelle Federico leads the squad with nine points off two scores and 5 helpers. Keeper Megan Conaboy has started 10 of 11 games, accumulating 67 saves, while allowing 33 opponent scores.

After previously facing a handful of Ivy League adversaries this season, Sunday's match marks the first time the Bulldogs and Lions (5-3) have met in program history.

Columbia's key player on offense is Christina Freibott, who has tallied 15 points off five goals and five assists. The Lions' have placed a few goalies in net, but Kimberly Pianucci has seen the majority of time, recording 43 saves, while allowing 22 goals against.

The Bulldogs are still backed by the offensive effort of junior Victoria Danby (Lancaster, Mass.), who has recorded 20 points off nine goals and 2 assists. Freshman Emily Perryman (Lebanon, N.H.) has also been a force for the Black and Gold, notching three goals and three assists.

Classmate Marissa Elizardo (New Wales, Pa.) remains in goal for the Bulldogs, fending off 53 opponent shot attempts and allowing 27 scores in nine games.

"Being picked sixth out of seven teams [in preseason poll] is an underlining current that the team hasn't forgot about," said Saucier. "The team knows we are better than that so, now it's time to prove it."

The Bulldogs take on Quinnipiac on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Columbia on Sunday at 1 p.m. Fans can follow along with live stats at bryantbulldogs.com.