Bulldogs head to Rutgers Fri. in search of no. 4

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Coming off a dramatic, last-minute victory over Holy Cross on Tuesday, the Bryant University women's soccer team will look to keep its winning streak alive Friday night when they head to Piscataway, N.J., for a showdown with Rutgers (5:30 p.m.).

After opening the year 0-3, the Bulldogs have won three-straight thanks to the combination of strong defending and timely scoring, however, Friday poses a huge test for Bryant as they prepare for Mid Atlantic powerhouse, Rutgers, who enters the match with a 4-1-1 overall mark.

On Tuesday, a pair of sophomores connected in the 86th minute to lift the Black and Gold to a 1-0 win over Holy Cross. With time winding down, and both squads essentially gridlocked through the first 85 minutes of play, sophomore forward Scout Benson (Lynnfield, Mass.) crossed the ball from midfield toward a racing Rachael Ivanicki (Colts Neck, N.J.) up ahead. The New Jersey native beat the Crusader defenders and goalkeeper Carly McCabe to the ball at the top of the box, putting just enough touch on the shot for it to trickle off the post and into the back of the net.

The tally was Ivanicki's second of the season which ranks second to only junior Suzanne Sanders (West Chester, Pa.), who enters Friday's contest with three goals (t-3rd in Northeast Conference). Bryant freshman goalkeeper Kaylan Conrad (Avon, Conn.) has come on strong as of late, earning victories in each of her last two starts, including her first-career shutout on Tuesday.

Coming off a 1-1 tie against William and Mary on Sunday, the Scarlet Knights will look to get back-on-track Friday vs. Bryant after a tough weekend in Charlottesville, Va. After winning its first four matches of the year, Rutgers fell to #2 Virginia, 6-0, a week ago before tying the Tribe on Sunday. Senior forward Jonelle Filigno leads her team with seven points on three goals and an assist, while freshman midfielder Madison Tiernan and junior forward Sara Corson sit tied for second with five points apiece. Senior netminder Jessica Janosz has been tough in goal for the Scarlet Knights, allowing just seven goals in six starts this season.

Friday marks the first-ever showdown between the two school's as Bryant looks to earn its first four-game win streak as a Division I program.

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