Women's soccer tops UVM 3-1

Three-straight goals lift the Bulldogs to back-to-back wins

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team defeated the University of Vermont, 3-1, Sunday afternoon in Smithfield.

Two first half goals set the tone for the Bulldogs as they pick up back-to-back wins, improving to 5-4 on the season.

Junior Shana Follette (Plymouth, Mass) got things started in the 12th minute when she launched a beautiful shot over Catamount keeper Ally Ramos for her second score of the season.

Less than ten minutes later, Kaitlyn Fare (Millstone Township, N.J.) delivered a beautiful ball into the box to Ari Goldberg (East Bridgewater, Mass.) who headed it past Ramos for her fourth score of the year, increasing the Bulldog lead to 2-0.

The Black and Gold registered their third goal in the 68th minute when junior Julie Vajda (Midland Park, N.J.) collected a ball in the box to beat the keeper for her first score of 2012.

The lone Catamount goal came in the 86th minute when Haleigh Gill broke away from the defense and beat Bryant keeper Kelsi Jacob (Mahwah, N.J.) for her first score of the year.

"It was definitely a good effort," said Bryant head coach Chris Flint. "I think we had a lot of the same chances that we had on Friday, but the difference today was that we were able convert."

The Bulldogs outshot the visitors 18-14 in the match. Ramos recorded four saves, and Lauren Viverito (Dayton, N.J.) and Jacob each registered one save.

The Bulldogs improve to 5-4 through their first nine games as they prepare to open up Northeast Conference play on Friday with a visit to Wagner.

"It's finally here," added Flint. "We've waited four years to be eligible (for DI postseason competition), and here we have conference play already beginning on Friday."

Bryant will take the pitch Friday at Wagner at 4 p.m. before gearing up to face Monmouth on Sunday at 1 p.m.

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