Balanced Bulldogs attack ready for 2018

This is the second of a three-part series previewing the Bryant Women's Soccer program entering the 2018 season. The defenders were spotlighted Wednesday and midfielders on Thursday.

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Balance is key to keeping defenses on their toes and few teams displayed that better than the top line of the Bryant University women's soccer team during the 2017 season. 12 different players added a goal during Bryant's 11-win season, while four more chipped in assists to create a balanced attack the Bulldogs are looking to duplicate when the regular season kicks off Monday.

"Our forwards have been working very hard to create and score goals throughout the preseason," head coach Andy Biggs said. "Their work with and without the ball has been a real key to this production and we look forward to their continued development as the season progresses."

Leading the way into 2018 is senior Cayla D'Amico (Grafton, Mass.), who will anchor one of the wings of the Black and Gold forward line. She leads returning forwards with five points, including a three-point performance in a win over Sacred Heart last season.

"This season we have a lot of our top scorers coming back again," D'Amico said. "So we hope to use that again this season and continue our success this season."

Sophomore Katie Cronin (Feeding Hills, Mass.) was on the other end of the assist during the match with the Pios and also returns with five points on her 2017 resume. Her classmate, Amanda Spitaleri (Ronkonkoma, N.Y.), will also be bringing her speed to the front of the Bulldogs' formation after a two-goal season a year ago.

"We have scored a lot of goals in preseason which looks good," D'Amico said. "We're trying to keep connected with the midfield and make sure we're all on the same page as we head into the regular season."

Returning for the Bulldogs at forward will also be senior Alison Guilmette (Coventry, R.I.), along with sophomores Kristen Bortolotti (Foxborough, Mass.) and Arin Smalls (Marlborough, Mass.). New to the frontlines for the Black and Gold is freshman Lexi Kraemer (Forest Hill, Md.) who will lead the charge for Bryant heading into 2018.

The Bulldogs' attack first hits the pitch on Monday, when Bryant plays host to Quinnipiac at 4:00 p.m. at the Bulldog Soccer Field.

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