October 10, 2007

#8 BRYANT FIELD HOCKEY DEFEATS SOUTHERN CONN. 3-2

Lisa Kennen (above) scored her first goal of the season in Wednesday's 3-2 win over Southern Connecticut.  To purchase photos from Wednesday's game, visit www.dspics.com

SMITHFIELD, RI   -  Courtney O'Brien's (Tewksbury, Mass.) goal in the 62nd minute broke a 2-2 tie late in the game and helped give eighth-ranked Bryant University a 3-2 win over Southern Connecticut in Northeast-10 Conference field hockey action at the Bryant Turf Field Complex Wednesday night. 

The win, Bryant's third-straight, improves the Bulldogs to 11-5 overall on the year and 11-2 in conference play.  Southern Connecticut drops to 6-11 (6-8 NE-10) with the loss.

Bryant raced out in front to a quick lead as Brandie Simmonds (Shelburne, Mass.) scored her third goal of the season just four minutes into the game.  On a Bryant counter attack, Kelly Frantz (Southbury, Conn.) flipped a pass back to the Bulldog freshman who beat Owl goalie Lauren Zarrella to put the hosts up 1-0.

Later, it was Frantz again picking up an assist as the sophomore was able to tip the ball to Lisa Kennen (Waltham, Mass.) in front of the Owl goal for her first of the season, making it 2-0. 

But a few minute later, Southern Connecticut would get on the board as Jennifer Sousa scored on a rebound in front of the Bryant goal.  After halftime, Southern Connecticut would tie the game as Ann Berry picked up a loose ball following a penalty corner and tied the game, 2-2. 

The Owls appeared to have taken the lead with just over 10 minutes to go but Grace Martha's goal was ruled to have come from outside the circle.  Moments later, O'Brien was there to notch her eighth goal of the season and give the Bulldogs the win.

Bryant will travel to Stonehill on Saturday for a 1 p.m. game.

Field Hockey
@ Smithfield, RI
Bryant 3, Southern Connecticut 2
Goals - B - Simmonds, Kennen, O'Brien.  S - Sousa, Berry.  Assists: B - Frantz (2), Carr. S - Martin.  
Shots: B - 21, S - 9 Saves: Mawema, B, 4.  S- Zarrella, 10
Halftime - Bryant 2-1  Records:  Bryant 11-5  (11-2 NE-10).  SCSU 6-11 (6-8 NE-10)