Bryant opens new home with 3-1 win over Merrimack

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Brittany Gouws and Lauren Rothwell scored seven seconds apart in the fourth quarter to put an exclamation point on a historic day for the Bryant University field hockey team.

The goals snapped a 1-1 tie, sending the Bulldogs to a 3-1 win over Merrimack in the first-ever game at the new water-based astro turf on campus. Prior to the game, the Bulldogs held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. 

Game Information
Bryant 3, Merrimack 1
Records: Bryant (3-2) | Merrimack (0-4)
Location: Bryant Field Hockey Complex (Smithfield, R.I.)

Key Moment

• Gouws and Rothwell scored seven seconds apart in the fourth quarter to break a 1-1 tie.     

How it Happened

• Taryn Rauff scored the first goal at the Bulldogs' new home, swatting home a bouncing ball on the left post.
• Bryant held a 1-0 lead until the third quarter when Julie Wester converted a penalty corner with just over seven minutes remaining. 
• The Black and Gold then scored twice in seven seconds to take the lead. Rauff stopped a penalty corner and Gouws was able to deflect her shot into the back of the net. 
• Off the restart, Bryant was able to take control and Natalie Brown made a perfect pass to Rothwell in the circle. She was able to get a shot off, finding the back of the net.

Bryant Notes and Notables

• Bryant was playing at its new water-based astroturf for the first time. 
• A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held prior to the game. 
• Rauff finished the game with three points. She scored her first goal of the season. 
• Gouws notched her third goal of the season and her third game-winning goal.
• Gouws now has 15 goals and 37 points in her career.
• Rothwell notched her first collegiate goal. 
• Abby Crowley, normally a forward, started in goal for the Bulldogs due Dieneke Hes not being available. 
• Crowley made three saves to earn her first collegiate win. 

Up Next
Bryant travels to Hamden, Conn., to face Quinnipiac on Sunday afternoon.