Bulldogs travel to face No. 20 Maine and Vermont in two-game weekend slate

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University field hockey team remains in the hunt for their first win of the season, as they travel to No. 20 Maine and Vermont on Friday, September 16 and Sunday, September 18, respectively.

The Bulldogs (0-6) are 0-1 against America East competitors this season, having fell to then-No. 9 Albany, 5-0, at the end of August. The Black and Gold total two goals on the year, both coming from freshman defender Floor van Dommelen (Berg en Dal, Netherlands). Last weekend in the Bulldogs', 2-1, shootout loss at Dartmouth, sophomore keeper Marissa Elizardo (New Wales, Pa.) recorded a career-high 11 saves, totaling 38 on the year.

The Black Bears (5-1) enter Friday's contest with a single loss, occurring last week in the 2-1 loss at Boston University. Prior to the loss, Maine started the season on a four-game winning streak, defeating the MAAC's Sacred Heart, 6-1, and Providence, 7-1. This past week, Maine maintained its No. 20 slot on the NFHCA poll.

The Black Bears are led offensively by Madison Cunningham's 19 points off nine goals and one assist and Casey Crowley's 17 points off five goals and seven assists. Cunningham ranks tied for second in the nation, averaging 1.5 goals per game, while Crowley's 1.17 assists per game also earn her a second place ranking in the country. Keepers Emily Corbett and Emma Cochran have seen equal time in the cage, allowing eight goals while getting a glove on three combined saves. Maine leads Bryant with a profound, 8-0, Division I edge.

"Maine is second in the country in scoring [5.17 GPG] and our defense has really stepped it up this past week, so we are hoping to limit the number of defensive penalty corners we give up," said head coach Shaunessy Saucier. "Our strength is our counter attack with the speed of our midfielders and forwards and we are looking to play to our strengths."

The Catamounts (4-2) welcome the Bulldogs to Burlington fresh off an 8-2 loss to Pacific. Vermont's only other loss on the season was at Providence, 3-1, while the Catamounts have defeated Central Michigan, La Salle, Northeastern and Quinnipiac. Landon Warren leads the team with four goals off 19 shots, while Carla Godsman totals three goals and assists on the season. Lena Benwood has logged all six games between the pipes, accumulating 39 saves, while allowing 17 goals.

Entering only the second Division I matchup between the two teams, the Bulldogs lead the Catamounts, 1-0, after last year's 2-1 victory at home. The Bryant win included goals from then-freshman Emily Perryman (Lebanon, N.H.) and Victoria Newbill (Wilton, Maine).

"Vermont is off to a strong start and we are excited to play two America East opponents," said Saucier.

Action is set to begin on Friday at Maine and fans can follow along with the live stats and broadcast at bryantbulldogs.com.