Sacred Heart shuts out women's soccer

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team dropped a tough 2-0 decision to Sacred Heart University on Sunday, falling for the second straight game on a warm afternoon at Bulldog Stadium.  The Bulldogs move to 5-6-3 on the season with a 1-3-1 mark in the Northeast Conference, while Sacred Heart jumps to 6-4-3, with a 2-2-1 conference record.

Two goals late in the first half propelled the Pioneers to their first victory over the Bulldogs in the two teams' series history, as Alyssa Brandofino set up both scoring plays on a set piece and a corner kick, respectively.

In the 39^th minute, Sacred Heart was fouled outside of the eighteen to the left of the goal, where Brandofino served it up from about 20 yards out.  Waiting at the right side of the penalty box was a leaping Heather Quevillion, who headed the ball into the right corner of the net to give the Pioneers a 1-0 lead.

Minutes later, the Pioneers would double their lead on a nearly identical-looking goal coming off a corner kick.  Brandofino again sent the service into the box, where Mikaela Wolf got ahead of the defense and redirected it in for her first marker in 2011, pushing the lead to 2-0.

Both of those goals came during an even first half that saw the Bulldogs hold a slim lead in shots, 10-9.  On the game, Bryant held a 15-13 lead in total shots, while both teams were even with three corners apiece.

Sacred Heart rushed out of the gates, taking four of the game's first five shot attempts before the Bulldogs started to generate some momentum.  Back-to-back shots in the 15^th minute were turned aside by Sydney Judkins, who finished the afternoon with three saves.

The Black and Gold had a few close chances that could have been game-changers, but those chances were just off the mark.  Freshman Katy Biagi (Natick, Mass.) headed a shot off the crossbar at 22:28 in the first frame, which would have given the Bulldogs an early lead, while senior Kaitlyn Hinck (Bow, N.H.) nearly put Bryant on the board at 57:55, maneuvering around a Sacred Heart defender and unloading a gorgeous shot that Judkins leapt and punched over the crossbar to keep the Bulldogs at bay.

The second half proved to be a display of defense by both teams, with only nine total shots coming from both teams combined.  Junior Kelsi Jacob (Mahwah, N.J.) denied both of the Pioneers' shots on target in the second stanza, while finishing the day with three total saves.

Next up for Bryant will be a trip to the Garden State, where they will meet up with Fairleigh Dickinson next Sunday, Oct. 16, for its lone contest next weekend.  Game time is set for 1 p.m. at University Stadium.

For continuing coverage of Bryant University women's soccer, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and be sure to follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.