Bulldogs fall to Red Flash, 3-0

SAINT FRANCIS (PA) RECORDED TWO GOALS IN THE FIRST HALF TO DEFEAT BRYANT

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University women's soccer team fell to Saint Francis (PA), 3-0, Friday afternoon in Smithfield.

The Red Flash (6-4-1) were led by reigning Northeast Conference Player of the Year Tesa McKibben who had a hand in all three goals by the visitors, scoring one and assisting on two others. The Bulldogs (6-6) fall to 1-2 in the NEC after being held scoreless for only the third time this season.

McKibben got things started for Saint Francis (PA) in the 19th minute when she collected the ball just outside the box and fired a shot past Bryant goalkeeper Lauren Viverito (Dayton, N.J.) for her seventh tally of the season.

Just before halftime, McKibben delivered a beautifully placed ball in front of the net to sophomore Eloa Nascimento, who doubled the Red Flash advantage with only ten seconds to play in the half. McKibben contributed her final helper of the day on the third goal for the visitors scored by Kelly Beegle in the 65th minute.

The defending NEC Champions outshot the Bulldogs, 13-9, in the contest and now improve to 3-0 in conference play on the year. Senior Alex Bengston (Andover, Mass.) and freshman Quinn Massaroni (Albany, N.Y.) both recorded two shots for Bryant.

Red Flash keeper Brianna Butcher stopped four Bulldog chances in her sixth win of the season, while Viverito recorded six saves in her twelfth start of the year.

The Black and Gold return to the pitch on Sunday when they head to Central Connecticut State for a showdown with the Blue Devils. Game time is set for 1 p.m.

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