Box Score SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Paced by two second-half goals, the Bryant University women's soccer team opened up Northeast Conference play with a resounding 2-0 victory over Wagner College on a rainy afternoon at the Bryant Turf and Track Complex. With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 4-3-2 on the season, while the Seahawks, who were handed just their second loss in nine games, move to 5-2-2.
With no score late in the second half, junior midfielder Regan Marin (Bedford, N.Y.) sent in a long service from outside the box in the attacking third. The ball bounced once through traffic and rolled into the net near the right post, putting the Bulldogs on top late in regulation. The goal would eventually become Marin's first game-winner of the season. The marker also ended a goal-less streak at 310:04, spanning back to Bryant's 1-0 victory over George Washington University on Sept. 11, 2011.
But the Black and Gold would not relent, adding an insurance marker in the 74th minute after sophomore Julie Vajda (Midlank Park, N.J.) tapped in her first collegiate goal in front of the right post off a sharp pass from freshman Suzanne Sanders (West Chester, Pa.), extending the home team's lead to 2-0, and one that would prove to be insurmountable.
Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Viverito (Dayton Park, N.J.) posted a four-save performance, improving to 2-1-1 on the season and lowering her season goals-against average to 1.48 while raising her save percentage to .706. On the other end of the pitch, Kate Marcy recorded four saves on six shots.
Both teams combined for 30 shots attempted, with the Bulldogs edging Wagner 17-13 in that category. Bryant also was the victim of two shots hitting posts, while Wagner saw one shot ring off the bar early in the game with a chance to take a first-half lead. Sophomore Shana Follette (Plymouth, Mass.) then nearly returned the favor in the 24th minute, and senior Kaitlyn Hinck (Bow, N.H.) had a wide-open look early in the second half on a corner kick, but her header shot rang off the metal. The tri-captain registered a game-high four shots for the Bulldogs, matching Wagner's Alyssa Grecco.
The Bulldog defense continued its impressive play as of late, shutting out an opponent for the fourth time this season while bringing the team GAA down to 1.33. Wagner's Julie Vigliotti, the top scorer for the Seahawks coming into the game, was limited to just two shots over 90 minutes. Both teams were called for seven fouls, while Bryant was awarded eight corner kicks over Wagner's three.
Up next, Bryant will continue its four-game homestand against Monmouth University on Sunday, Sept. 25 at Bulldog Stadium. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
For continuing coverage of Bryant women's soccer, check back at www.bryantbulldogs.com, and follow the Bulldogs on Twitter @BryantAthletics.
