October 3, 2008

BULLDOGS HOST 2008 SENIOR DAY PINK OUT SUNDAY VS. RIDER AT NOON; TAKE ON SACRED HEART FRIDAY ON ROAD

SMITHFIELD, RI -- The Bryant University field hockey team approaches an action-packed weekend, first travelling to Sacred Heart for a 4 p.m. matchup Friday night before returning to Smithfield, R.I. and the Bryant Turf Complex to host Rider University on 2008 Senior Day, Sunday, Oct. 5 at noon.

Along with the Bulldogs' 2008 Senior Day and final home contest, Sunday's matchup against the Broncs (4-5 entering Friday) will serve as the second annual Bryant Field Hockey Pink Out at the Bryant Turf Complex, held to support breast cancer research and awareness.

In recognition of breast cancer awareness, the Bulldogs ask all fans to don pink for the noontime bout. Ribbons will be available for purchase for $1 and wristbands available for $5, with all proceeds being donated to the Susan B. Komen Foundation for breast cancer awareness and research.

"This issue is very near and dear to the hearts of our program's players, coaching staff and alumni," said head coach Coni Fichera. "To continue to wage battle with this disease awareness is our biggest weapon. This weekend we are looking forward to combining an exciting field hockey game with the need for a continued awareness for breast cancer detection and treatment programs."

But before the Bulldogs (1-8) host Rider, they will have to faceoff against a tough Sacred Heart squad Friday at 4 p.m. The Pioneers (2-7) are led by six goals on the season by Carisa Eye.

The Bulldogs are led by two goals apiece from freshman Alexandra Czerniak (Holyoke, Mass.) and sophomore transfer Elise Boissoneau (Ashburnham, Mass.). Bryant also boasts a top-tier goalkeeper between the pipes in junior Kundayi Mawema (Harare, Zimbabwe), who averages 9.25 saves per game.