Bulldogs' draw against Blackbirds seals third place in the league, first-ever trip to NEC Tournament

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – A 0-0 draw against LIU Brooklyn Sunday morning is enough to secure the Bryant University women's soccer team a place in the Northeast Conference Tournament for the first time in Division I program history.

The Bulldogs (5-10-3, 4-2-2) wrap up regular season play with a tie against the Blackbirds (5-13-1, 1-6-1), sealing third place in the NEC standings with 14 points. The Black and Gold sit below Fairleigh Dickinson with 24 points and Robert Morris with 15. Saint Francis U. took the fourth and final spot with 13 points.

The Bulldogs were off to an aggressive start, firing off shot after shot on the visiting team and totaling nine in the first half. Sophomore Haley Reddish (Natick, Mass.) led the attack, placing three of five shots on frame and adding to the team's 19-shot total.

Senior Caitlin Hannagen (Richboro, Pa.) was an asset in the Bulldogs' offensive effort, adding two of four shots on net.

Keeper Kaylan Conrad (Avon, Conn.) recorded her sixth shutout of the season and 11th in her career, nabbing third in all-time program history. The junior finished the day with seven saves, while Blackbirds' goalie Jessica Montrose logged nine.

The Bulldogs will travel to hosting school Fairleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, N.J. to face off against Robert Morris on Friday, Nov. 6 in the first round of the conference tournament.