Bulldogs top Maine 2-1 in season opener

Pair of first half goals help Bulldogs defeat Black Bears in 2012 opener

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team notched its first victory of the season on Friday, downing the University of Maine, 2-1.

Neither team wasted much time chalking up its first goal of 2012 with both squads taking advantage of early opportunities.

In the third minute, Maine sophomore Jordan Pellerin followed up a ricochet off the post for her first score of the young season, giving the Black Bears an early 1-0 advantage. Just over three minutes later, junior Shana Follette (Plymouth, Mass.) evened the score for the Bulldogs on a pass from freshman Allison DeBenedictis (Norwell, Mass.).

In the 31st minute, senior Regan Marin (Bedford, N.Y.) elevated above the pack to head in a direct kick from junior Alyssa Kozlowski (Ellicott City, Md.) to give Bryant a one-goal edge heading into halftime.

Bryant's second goal would prove to be the game winner as the final 45 minutes were all about defense. Maine outshot the Bulldogs, 10-6, in the second half, but saw multiple shots denied by the post as both teams failed to find the net. Junior goalkeeper Lauren Viverito (Dayton, N.J.) came up big down the stretch for the Bulldogs with a game-high five saves. Meagan Price-Leibenzeder and Lauren Swant split time in net for the Black Bears, tallying a total of six saves on the game.

"It wasn't our most consistent effort," said Bryant head coach Chris Flint. "But it's definitely great to start the season with a win.

"It was huge to bounce back with the equalizer right away," added Flint. "It helped energize us after coming out somewhat lethargic."

Looking ahead, Bryant will host UMass in their home opener on Wednesday, Aug. 22 (3 p.m.) as the Minutemen look to avenge the 4-1 loss to the Bulldogs from 2011.

For all the latest information on Bryant University women's soccer, visit BryantBulldogs.com.