DeBenedictis earns All-NEC First Team nod

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Coming off a spectacular sophomore campaign, defender Allison DeBenedictis (Norwell, Mass.) of the Bryant University women's soccer team was named an All-Northeast Conference First Team selection, announced the league office Thursday.

One of the just two Bulldogs to start all 19 games this season, Debenedictis becomes the first Bryant women's soccer player to earn All-NEC First Team honors in program history. The Norwell, Mass., native helped anchor a sometimes uneasy Bulldog backline and was a consistent standout on the pitch.

The do-everything defender even finished tied for second on the team in scoring with six points on one goal and a team-high four assists. DeBenedictis notched her first-career marker on Oct. 25 vs. Wagner and dished out a pair of helpers in a 2-2 tie at Robert Morris.

In a season plagued by injuries, the Bulldogs never truly found their footing, closing out the year with a 5-13-1 overall mark. However, Bryant does return three of their top four scorers next year, including DeBenedictis, as they continue to strive for an NEC Tournament berth.

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