Bulldogs Defeat Merrimack for First Win of Season

SMITHFIELD, R.I.- The Bryant women's lacrosse team picked up its first win of the 2023 season with a 17-4 triumph over Merrimack on Saturday at Beirne Stadium. Eight different players scored for the Bulldogs, including a combined nine goals from Kenna Kaut and Skylar Simmonds.

Kaut led all scorers with five goals, while Chamberlaine Bell and Emily Oliver each dished four assists to lead the team. The defense was also stout for Bryant, allowing their fewest goals in a game since April 2021.

Bryant 17, Merrimack 4

Records: BRY (1-1), MC (0-3)

Location: Beirne Stadium

How it Happened

Q1: Bryant kicked off the scoring with two quick goals from Oliver and Simmonds, who scored within a minute of each other to give the Bulldogs the early 2-0 lead. A man-up goal from Merrimack brought the score to 2-1, but two goals from Kaut and another from Peyton Woodward extended Bryant's lead to four at the end of the first.

Q2: The Bulldogs turned a 3-0 run to end the first into an 8-0 run in the second, as Margaret Adams, Jessica Colalillo, Simmonds, and Kaut (twice) scored to stretch the lead to nine. A pair of goals from the Warriors cut the lead back to seven just before the halftime break.

Q3: Bryant dominated on the defensive side in the third quarter, holding Merrimack scoreless on just two shot attempts with five turnovers. The Bulldogs capitalized, scoring four times to stretch the lead to 11. Kaut, Simmonds (twice) and Adams each found the net for Bryant in the third.

Q4: A free-position goal for Merrimack started the scoring in the fourth, but the Bryant defense locked down again, holding the Warriors without a goal over the final 11 minutes. Emma Wymes and Kelly Morrison each scored their first career goals in the final quarter, with Morrison finding the net twice to close out the game.

Bulldog Notes and Notables

• Kenna Kaut has now scored five goals in both games to start the season. She has now scored five or more in three of her last four games dating to last season, and has scored multiple times in 23 consecutive games.

• Skylar Simmonds at least four goals in a game for the sixth time in her career. She did so on a game-high nine shots on goal.

• The Bulldogs' four goals allowed were their fewest since April 2021, when they allowed three to Central Connecticut. Jessica Colalillo helped anchor the defense with three caused turnovers and three ground balls.

• Sam Centofante and Ashlyn Watkins combined for seven saves on 11 shots on goal. Watkins was especially effective, saving four of five shots that came her way.

• Kelly Morrison became the first Bulldog to score multiple times in her collegiate debut since Natalie Langella against Hartford in March 2018.

What's next: The Bulldogs will round out the season-opening three-game homestand next Saturday when they host Lafayette at Beirne Stadium. Game time is scheduled for 12:00 pm.