Bulldogs score in 65th minute to top Pioneers, 1-0

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – On a rainy, wet day in Smithfield, the Bryant University women's soccer team was able to bear the elements to start Northeast Conference play with a victory, topping Sacred Heart, 1-0, Sunday afternoon.

After multiple close-calls from sophomore midfielder Quinn Massaroni (Albany, N.Y.), the Bulldogs (5-7, 1-0 Northeast Conference) took advantage of their best scoring opportunity in the 65th minute. Junior forward Suzanne Sanders (West Chester, Pa.) advanced the ball up the right side of the pitch, finding senior forward Shana Follette (Plymouth, Mass.) near the top corner of the box. Follette corralled the pass and placed a beautiful cross near the corner of the net to find a streaking Rachael Ivanicki (Colts Neck, N.J.) who beat Sacred Heart keeper Sydney Judkins for the lone score of the match.

Ivanicki's third goal of the year could not have coming at a better time, snapping Bryant's three-game skid while starting off NEC play on a winning note. The Bulldogs outshot the Pioneers, 13-10, earning four corner kicks to Sacred Heart's two.

Senior Lauren Viverito (Dayton, N.J.) was impressive in goal, making a pair of saves including a diving stop just minutes into the second frame. Judkins made six saves in her 12th start of the season for the Pioneers.

Looking forward the Black and Gold will take this coming week to prepare for the Pennsylvania road trip over the weekend, opening with Robert Morris on Friday before heading to Saint Francis U. on Sunday. Both matches are set for 12 p.m. starts.

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