Groeninger scores four, Hacketts combine for seven as Bulldogs beat PC in Season Opener

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Kevin Groeninger recorded four goals, while brothers Timmy and Johnny Hackett combined for seven points to lead the Bryant University men's lacrosse team to a 15-13 victory over in-state rival Providence College on Saturday afternoon at Anderson Stadium.

With the win, the Bulldogs extend their win streak over the Friars to four. Bryant has scored at least 15 goals in their last three meetings.

Jack Lonsinger had a breakout performance at attack, recording a hat trick against the Friars for the second year in a row as well as collecting an assist. Mason Drouin tied his 2023 single game season high in goals today with two and freshman Patrick Walsh recorded the first goal of his collegiate career.

Bryant dominated the X, winning 21-of-32 faceoffs. Nathan Laliberte won 19-of-30, while JJ Murphy went  2-2 on the day. Teagan Alexander made eight saves in goal.

Game Information
Bryant 15, Providence 13
Records: Bryant 1-0, Providence 1-1
Location: Anderson Stadium (Providence, R.I.)

Key Moment

• With Providence trying to make a comeback bid with less than half a minute, Johnny Hackett would seal the deal and bury his second goal of the game to put Bryant up by two with 16 seconds remaining.             

How it Happened

• Aidan Goltz opened the scoring for the Bulldogs with an unassisted goal to tie the score at one with 4:25 remaining in the first quarter.

• With the game tied 4-4 in the second quarter Johnny Hackett would find his older brother Timmy who would net a low shot to give Bryant the lead. 

• The Black and Gold would have an explosive third quarter; ging on a 5-1 run to put the Bulldogs up 12-6. The highlight of the run came when Bryant scored two goals in 12 seconds (Groeninger 5:29 & Goltz 5:17).

• The Friars stormed back in the fourth quarte, scoring the next four goals to bring the score to within three.

• Kevin Groeninger picked up his fourth goal of the game on an assist from Jack Lonsinger to put Bryant up 13-9.

• Providence continued their comeback bid, scoring three straight goals to shrink their deficit to one.

• Johnny Hackett would bounce in a goal from the right side to give the Bulldogs a two goal lead.

• With 3:22 remaining, Providence's Ryan Bell would score to bring make the score 14-13.

• Johnny Hackett would score his second goal of the game with 16 second to go and seal the victory for Bryant.

Stats

• Bryant outshot PC, 53-30.

• The Bulldogs won 21-of-32 faceoffs and were 14-of-16 on clears.

• Teagan Alexander tallied six saves in the first half.

• Johnny Hackett finished with four points (2g, 2a).

• Both Hackett brothers finished with a pair of assists. 

• Goltz potted a pair of goals.

• Drew Lucas picked up four ground balls and caused two turnovers      

• Nathan Laliberte picked up 12 ground balls and also tallied an assist.

Game Notes

• Bryant is now 11-4 against PC at the DI level.

• The Bulldogs have won each of the last four games in the series.

• Head Coach Brad Ross starts 1-0 for the second year at the helm for the Bulldogs.

• Kevin Groeninger and Lonsinger each recorded hat tricks in the contest.

• Patrick Walsh netted his first career goal and also picked up a ground ball.

• Timmy Hackett extends his point streak to 24 games

Up Next
Bryant will travel to take on Boston University at Nickerson Field next Friday, Feb. 16. Faceoff is set for 4:00 p.m.