Bulldogs grind out 2-2 tie at RMU Friday

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – In its first overtime action of the 2013 campaign, the Bryant University women's soccer team fought for the entire 110 minutes to earn a 2-2 tie against Robert Morris Friday afternoon in Moon Township, Pa.

In an up-and-down match that included a pair of ties and a pair of lead changes, the Bulldogs (5-7-1) persevered through the double overtime saga to pick up the point and remain unbeaten in Northeast Conference play.

In the 30th minute, sophomore Allison DeBenedictis (Norwell, Mass.) got things started for the Black and Gold when she played a free kick into the middle of the box just in time for a streaking Rachael Ivanicki (Colts Neck, N.J.) to knock a header into the top left corner of the goal to grant Bryant the 1-0 advantage.

Just over two minutes later, RMU's Kristie Hamilton beat her defender down the left sideline, floating a beautiful cross from the Bryant endline to a streaking Johanna Kadam who put away the equalizer, knotting the score, 1-1. Kadam added another score just minutes before the break when she collected a rebound in front of the Bryant goal to put the Colonials up 2-1 heading into halftime.

Out of the intermission, the Bulldogs continue to press for the equalizer, eventually finding an opportunity in the 62nd minute. In a similar fashion to her first helper, DeBenedictis sent a pass across the Robert Morris box just in time to meet junior midfielder Katy Biagi (Natick, Mass.) who headed home her second of the season, tying the game once again, 2-2.

The final 28 minutes of regular and both extra periods saw multiple chances for both teams, however a gritty performance from the Black and Gold forced the match a 2-2 tie.

Bryant keeper Lauren Viverito (Dayton, N.J.) made a season-high eight saves after entering the match at the 38:05 mark, while Robert Morris goalie Chelsea de Jager stopped four Bulldog chances in her fifth start of the year.

The Black and Gold will look to continue their strong play on Sunday when they showdown with perennial powerhouse Saint Francis U. at 12 p.m.

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