Richardson's five-points and Perryman's two goals aid Bulldogs in 5-2 win over Pioneers

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – For the first time since September of 2014, the Bryant University field hockey team put together back-to-back wins after four different players contributed to the Bulldogs', 5-2, victory over Sacred Heart on Sunday afternoon, helping the team to its best MAAC start (3-1) since 2013.

"We started with a lot of energy, trying to build off the momentum from our Fairfield win on Friday," said head coach Shaunessy Saucier.

The Bulldogs (3-11, 3-1 MAAC) 5-2 win over the Pioneers (0-13, 0-3) marks the Black and Gold's best start in conference since 2013, which also marks the last time Bryant qualified for the MAAC tournament.

In similar fashion to the LIU Brooklyn game, the Bulldogs showcased their ability to win as a team, as four different players contributed to the five-goal scoring frenzy. Sophomore Emily Perryman (Lebanon, N.H.) scored a career high two-goals in a single game, while junior Keighan Richardson (North Attleboro, Mass.) also finished with a career-high five points off one goal and three assists.

"Our passing game was sharp in the first half and Keighan Richardson played really poised in the midfield," said Saucier.

Senior Victoria Danby (Lancaster, Mass.) gave the Bulldogs' their initial lead, scoring her fifth goal of the season in the 6th minute. The forward was set up beautifully by sophomore Leyna DiMarco (Glastonbury, Conn.) at the top of the circle. The assist marks DiMarco's first of the season despite the 10 stitches she incurred after Bryant's game on Friday.

Richardson added to the Bryant lead in the 18th minute, scoring her first goal of the season off a stroke. The Black and Gold enjoyed a 3-0 edge heading into intermission after Perryman tucked in the goal off Richardson's second helper in the 22nd minute, marking her first two points on the day.

The Pioneers pressed on in the second half, striking first as Nichole Tolli notched her second score of the season after collecting a pass from Jackie Dellanoy in the 27th minute. Just a minute and a half later, Perryman found the back of the cage again, her third time this weekend, after Richardson fed her on the scoring play.

Freshman Freya Ward (Haywards Heath, England) tallied the Bulldogs' fifth and final goal of the game in the 51st minute. Richardson received the pass from the corner and then dished it to Ward for her fifth point in the game. The Pioneers didn't fold, pulling within three when Keighan Lord crossed the ball high in front of the cage where Danielle Gallagher was there for the finish in the 60th minute, but the Bryant lead proved to be too much as the Bulldogs left Fairfield with their second-straight conference win.

"We knew Sacred Heart would fight the whole game, which they did, and we handled their pressure well," said Saucier.

Sophomore Marissa Elizardo (North Wales, Pa.) handled a single save in the game, while Sacred Heart's Emily Degennaro was given the losing decision, finishing with three saves.  

Perryman went 2-for-3, placing all three shots on frame, while Danby also recorded three shots. The Pioneers were led offensively by Tolli and Gallagher's two attempts, respectively. In total, the Bulldogs outshot the Pioneers, 13-6, while taking six more penalty corners than the hosts.

Looking to maintain their momentum, the Bulldogs turn their focus to the conference's top-ranked Monmouth who is 12-2 on the season and remains undefeated in MAAC play. The two teams are set to collide on Friday, October 23 at 4 p.m. in West Long Beach, N.J., as the Bulldogs stay in the hunt for a postseason berth.