Bryant hosts Providence Saturday afternoon

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's lacrosse team opens the 2021 season on Saturday afternoon when it welcomes Providence College to Beirne Stadium. 

When Saturday's game gets underway, it will have been 340 days since the Black and Gold last took the field. Saturday's game will stream free of charge on NECFrontRow.com.

*The State of Rhode Island determined that spectators will not be allowed at any outdoor collegiate sporting events until further notice..*

The Particulars
Opponent: Providence
Location: Beirne Stadium (Smithfield, R.I.)
Date and Time: Saturday, February 13 – Noon
Watch: NEC Front Row 
Live Stats: Presto Stats
Game Notes: Bryant
Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #GoBryant | #NECMLax 

THE SERIES
Bryant leads the all-time series between the two schools, 7-4. The Friars, however, have won three of the last four meetings, including a 16-9 victory last February. Last year, PC outscored Bryant 6-1 in the first quarter in Providence. Jake Buonaiuto led the Black and Gold with four goals on the afternoon. 

SCOUTING THE FRIARS
Like the Bulldogs, the Friars are receiving votes in the USILA Preseason Top 25 poll. Providence opened its 2020 season 5-1 before the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to the season. The Friars return a majority of that team, led by Preseason All-American goalie Toby Burgdorf. Burgdorf ranked second in the nation in save percentage (.628) and third in goals against average (7.94) last year.

Providence returns its leading scorer from a year ago in Matt Grillo (21g, 4a).

BRYANT NOTES AND NOTABLES

• The Bulldogs finished the abbreviated 2020 season with a 3-4 record.
• Bryant will be led by Mike Pressler, who enters his 15th season on the Smithfield sidelines. He's posted a career record of 136-92 at Bryant.
• The Black and Gold return all 88 goals from the 2020 season. Marc O'Rourke led the Black and Gold with 26 goals, the fourth-most nationally.
• Logan McGovern returns after finishing second on the team with 25 points (12g, 13a).
• Buonaiuto and Trevor Weingarten also registered 20 points a season ago.
• Luke Caracciolo returns for his third season between the pipes. He has a career save percentage of .535. 

Follow Bryant University men's lacrosse on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get an inside look at the program.