Bulldogs top Bobcats, 2-1, at home

WOMEN'S SOCCER IMPROVES TO 3-3 IN NEC PLAY WITH WIN OVER BOBCATS

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bulldogs got off to a quick start and never looked back, scoring two goals in the first half to defeat Northeast Conference foe Quinnipiac, 2-1.

Bryant (8-7) improves to 3-3 in NEC play after splitting their third weekend of conference play. The Bobcats fall to 7-4-1 overall, 3-2-1 in the NEC, suffering only their second conference loss.

Junior Shana Follette (Plymouth, Mass.) wasted no time notching her fifth score of 2012 in the first minute of the match, heading in a rebound off Bobcat keeper Jill Kelley. Senior Regan Marin (Bedford, N.Y.) fired a shot, blocked by Kelley, allowing Follette to grant the Bulldogs an early 1-0 advantage.

The Bobcats were able to equalize in the 21st minute off a penalty kick goal by Shauna Edwards. Bryant was whistled for a handball in the box, granting Quinnipiac a penalty kick, which Edwards snuck past Bryant keeper Kelsi Jacob (Mahwah, N.J.) to even the score at 1-1.

The Bulldogs were able pick up one more score just before the first half expired. Junior Julie Vajda (Midland Park, N.J.) collected the ball off a Bobcat defender and fired a rocket from 25 yards out to the far post in what turned out to be the game-winning goal.

Bryant outshot the visitors, 12-6, in a huge NEC victory for the Bulldogs.

"Just a great overall effort," said Bryant head coach Chris Flint. "To score early, we were able to carry the play and Julie's goal before halftime was just a great effort on her part."

"I thought our defense played very well against some very dangerous forwards in some tough conditions."

Jacob played well in net in her first start of 2012, while Kelley made five saves in her ninth start of the season.

Looking forward, the Bulldogs will head to Sacred Heart Friday night before hosting Fairleigh Dickinson Sunday afternoon in Smithfield.

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