Bulldogs head to MD for season finale

WOMEN'S SOCCER PLAYS MOUNT ST. MARY'S IN SEASON FINALE FRIDAY AT 4 P.M.

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – With only one match left on its 2012 schedule, the Bryant University women's soccer team has put itself in position for a potential playoff appearance in its first season of Division I postseason eligibility.

The Bulldogs (10-8, 5-4 NEC) will head to Emmitsburg, Md., for a Friday showdown with Mount St. Mary's, having already set a program record for most wins in a season since joining the Division I ranks. The Black and Gold currently sit one point out of the fourth and final spot in the Northeast Conference Tournament.

Last time out, Bryant defeated Robert Morris, 1-0, in a hard-fought match on a rainy Senior Day in Smithfield.

On Friday, the Bulldogs and Colonials played even for more than 85 minutes before Bryant broke the scoreless tie in the 86th minute. Junior Alyssa Kozlowski (Elliot City, Md.) crossed the ball from the left side of the pitch into the box to a streaking Krista Johnstone (Dover, N.H.) to beat Colonials keeper Rebekah Schoenecker.

Bryant applied steady pressure on the visitors throughout the contest, outshooting Robert Morris, 15-5, and earning seven more corner kicks. Senior Kaitlyn Fare (Millstone Township, N.J.) put numerous well-placed balls into the box, but the Colonial defense stood tough.

In the second half, the Bulldogs had two shots turned away by Schoenecker, who played exceptional between the pipes for Robert Morris. Early in the half, senior Jessica MacAndrew (Coventry, R.I.) fired a strike toward the net that was stopped by a diving Schoenecker. Just a few minutes later, classmate Regan Marin (Bedford, N.Y.) headed a shot attempt inside the box that was just tipped over the goal by the RMU keeper.

The Mountaineers enter Friday's actions with a 7-9-1 overall record, 2-5-1 in the NEC. Sophomore Alicia Mirando leads her team with seven goals on the season, while senior Kelly Baker has registered 13 points on five goals and three assists. Freshmen Rachel Bourne and Vicky Cocozza handle the netminding duties for Mount St. Mary's, combining for a 1.55 goals against average. Last season, the Bulldogs topped the Mountaineers, 2-1, in Bryant's home finale.

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