Field Hockey Shuts Out Bryant 3-0
BOX SCORE
ALBANY, N.Y. – Despite a rainy Sunday, the University at Albany field hockey team (2-0) earned its second straight shutout against Bryant (0-2) with a 3-0 victory at Alumni Field. Paula Heuser, Molly Mariano and Fiori Van Rijswijk tallied goals for the Great Danes.
“So far it has been a tale of two games this weekend,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “This was a physical, aggressive Bryant team, and we got a bit unlucky hitting the crossbar and post a few times. We're happy with the win but we need to clean a few things up for tomorrow.”
The Great Danes wasted no time putting pressure on the Bulldogs, earning five penalty corners in the first 10 minutes of the contest. After knocking on the door for 10 minutes Van Rijskwijk finally found the cage on a pass across the net from Echo Bretz. Newcomer Pahila Arnold made the initial pass to record her first career point for the Purple & Gold.
With the first round of substitutions Bryant responded with several shots of its own. UAlbany continued to earn penalty corners to close the half but failed to convert on the opportunities, taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Ten minutes into the second half Liza Morgan fired on a rebound by Arnold, but hit the crossbar. Emily White had a quality look at the net a few moments later, prompting a Bryant timeout.
Freshman Kelsey Briddell broke free from the Bulldogs defensive line to find herself one-on-one with the goalie, but Bryant came in to make the defensive save after the initial shot and save.
The Great Danes didn't stay down for long, as Heuser took the ball herself through the middle to give UAlbany a 2-0 lead with eight minutes left. Mariano scored on a scramble in front of the net from Laura Page and Briddell.
Maxi Primus recorded her second clean sheet in the win. The sophomore goalkeeper made one save.
The Purple & Gold wraps up its three-game home streak tomorrow against Ohio State (0-1) at 1:00 p.m.
