Women's soccer heads to URI Sunday

Bulldogs seek third straight win on the road in Kingston Sunday afternoon

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team will head to Kingston, R.I., in a showdown with cross-state foe Rhode Island on Sunday afternoon (1 p.m.).

The Bulldogs (3-1) will look to continue their strong play in their last game in Rhode Island before heading to Colorado Springs, Colo. for pair of games on Friday, Sept. 7 and Saturday, Sept. 8. The Rams (3-1) fell, 2-1, to Iona Friday night in double overtime in their first loss of the season.

In Thursday's game, Bryant controlled the pace of game from the start, with much of the action occurring the Crusaders third of the pitch. The Bulldogs had four early corners (12 total for the game) and multiple scoring opportunities, however, despite outshooting their opponent 9-3 in the half, they were unable to capitalize.

In the second half, both teams had multiple scoring chances but were unable to tally to goal. In the 84th minute, freshman Allison DeBenedictis (Norwell, Mass) finessed a beautiful ball into the box that was corralled by classmate Rachael Ivanicki (Colts Neck, N.J.) who was able to flick it past the keeper for the lone score of the game. Brant junior goalkeeper Lauren Viverito (Dayton, N.J.) held the Crusaders scoreless through 90 minutes, contributing four saves in her first shutout of 2012.

URI began 2012 by winning its first three games before falling to Iona Friday evening, 2-1. Freshman Ellie Bailes, and seniors Jennifer Barrientos and Ashley Evengelista lead the Rams with four points each through the first four games this season.

Despite multiple spring matchups, this will be the first meeting between the two teams in more than twenty years.

For links to live stats of Sunday's game and for all the latest information on Bryant University women's soccer, visit BryantBulldogs.com.