Perryman puts Bulldogs on top of Stags, 2-1, in OT

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Sophomore Emily Perryman's (Lebanon, N.H.)  second-career game-winning goal led the Bryant University field hockey team to its 2-1 victory over Fairfield on Friday afternoon in Providence.

During the first overtime period, Perryman dribbled the ball to the top right of the circle where she rifled a low shot into the back of the cage in the 79th minute. Not only did the midfielder score the game-winner, but she also assisted freshman Freya Ward (Haywards Heath, England) on the Bulldogs' (2-11, 2-1 MAAC) game-tying goal in 19th minute. Perryman again dribbled to her right in the circle and shot far post where a camped out Ward was ready for the redirection, as the rookie knock it home for her second goal of the year.

The Stags (3-11, 1-1) scored their only goal in the 14th minute when Julie de Paeuw ripped one from the top of the circle off a penalty corner and Ann Burgoyne got her stick on the end of the shot for the goal-scoring deflection that gave Fairfield its initial lead.

Fairfield led Bryant 14 shots to 11, including its 6-0 advantage in the second half. The Stags were also awarded eight penalty corner opportunities to Bryant's four, two of which came in overtime, but were defended well by the Bulldogs' defense and sophomore goalie Marissa Elizardo (New Wales, Pa.).

Fresh off a career-high 13 saves, the sophomore batted away another six in this contest, while Fairfield's keeper Caitlin Bennet finished with two. The Stags' Hannah Pike and de Paeuw topped the game charts with four shots each, while Bryant's Ward and junior Keighan Richardson (North Attleboro, Mass.) led the Bulldogs with three, respectively.

Looking to put together back-to-back wins for the first time since September of 2014, the Bulldogs travel to take on the MAAC's sixth ranked Sacred Heart on Sunday at 1 p.m.