Bulldogs continue NEC play this weekend

WOMEN'S SOCCER CONTINUES THEIR CONFERENCE SLATE OVER THE WEEKEND

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team opens its second week of Northeast Conference play Friday when they host Saint Francis (PA) at 4:00 p.m. before heading to Central Connecticut St. on Sunday.

The Bulldogs split their opening weekend NEC games, defeating Wagner, 2-0, on Friday and falling to Monmouth, 1-0, on Sunday.

On Sunday, the Hawks outshot the Bulldogs 17-4, and were able to limit Bryant's offensive attack, however, both squads played even for the first 72 minutes of the match.

The lone goal came in the 73rd minute from 27 yards out off a rocket from Monmouth's Brianne Boyle. The Bulldogs turned the ball over in their defensive third and the Hawks were able to capitalize, recording the only score of the game.

Bryant goalkeeper Lauren Viverito (Dayton, N.J.) stopped three Monmouth chances in her ninth start of the season. Viverito has played all but 45 minutes in goal this year for the Bulldogs.

The Black and Gold will host Saint Francis (PA) on Friday at 3 p.m. in their first of five remaining home games. The Red Flash (5-4-1) enter Friday's action with a 2-0 record in NEC play after defeating Mount St. Mary's, 3-0, on Friday and LIU Brooklyn, 1-0, on Sunday.

Saint Francis (PA) is led by reigning NEC Player of the Year junior Tesa McKibben who has recorded 18 points through ten games this season. McKibben currently leads the NEC in shots (60), points (18), goals (6) and assists (6). Senior Briana Butcher handles the duties in net for the Red Flash, playing 903 of 918 total minutes thus far in 2012. Butcher holds a .817 save percentage and a 1.10 goals-against-average.

On Sunday, Bryant will travel to New Britain, Conn for a 1 p.m. showdown with Central Connecticut St. The Blue Devils (1-9) dropped their opening NEC matches over the weekend to Monmouth and Quinnipiac, each by a score of 1-0. On Wednesday, CCSU…

The Blue Devils are led this season by junior Allison Kelley (1 g, 3 a) and sophomore Kerriann Welch (2 g, 1 a) who have each recorded five points this season. Junior Nikola Deiter has played all 810 minutes in goal, posting a 1.78 goals-against-average and a .761 save percentage.

Last season, the Bulldogs fell to Saint Francis (PA), 3-0, in Loretto, Pa. and tied CCSU, 1-1, at home.

For links to live stats and streaming video of both games and all the latest news on Bryant University women's soccer, visit BryantBulldogs.com.