Bulldogs wrap up regular season at Holy Cross

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – While other conference foes will be vying for a place in the MAAC Tournament this weekend, the Bulldogs, having clinched a spot in the postseason, will look to close out the regular season with a win over Holy Cross in Worcester on Sunday at 3:05 p.m.

"We are very excited to get back there [MAAC Tournament]," said head coach Shaunessy Saucier. "We have been improving each game. We have two weeks to prepare and I think come time, we will be ready to play our best hockey."

The Bulldogs (4-12, 4-2 MAAC) enter Sunday's contest off a 5-1 victory over Siena on Senior Day, making Bryant just one-of-two conference teams with at least four wins upon entering the final week of the regular season. Freshman Freya Ward (Haywards Health, England) had a career day against the Saints, leading the Black and Gold with five points off two goals and three assists. Her performance marks her first multi-goal game of her career, as she totals 11 points off five goals and one assist on the season.

The Crusaders (8-8, 3-3 Patriot) will enter Sunday's match at the tail end of a four-game week, as they lost to Boston University, 3-1, on Tuesday, Dartmouth, 2-1, on Wednesday and will play Lock Haven on Saturday, all before hosting the Bulldogs on Sunday. 

The Crusaders are led by junior forward Maureen Connolly's 26 points off 10 goals and six assists. Connolly tops the Patriot League stats in seven categories, including shots (61), shots per game (4.36), points (26), points per game (1.86), assists (6), assists per game (.429) and game-winning goals (6). Freshman keeper Marcia LaPlante has started 11-of-12 games she has appeared in, totaling 88 saves, while posting a 7-4 record. The rookie posts the league top save percentage at .807, while allowing the just 21 goals on the year.

"This game is an opportunity to sharpen up a lot of what we have been working on," said Saucier. "It also allows us to implement some new attacking concepts and continue to stay sound defensively. Hopefully we can carry that over into the following weekend."

Game time is set for 3:05 on Sunday in Worcester and fans can also follow along with all the live action on bryantathletics.com.