SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Hawks senior defender Alex Carroll got on the board three times and the Bulldog offense struggled to get looks as the Bryant University field hockey team dropped a 4-0 decision to MAAC rival Monmouth University at home Sunday afternoon.

The Hawks (5-9, 2-0 MAAC) got on the board just 2:46 into the contest, capitalizing on the second of two-straight penalty corner opportunities when Trish O'Dwyer connected with Carroll, who powered a stroke across the goal and into the opposite corner.

Monmouth dominated the opening 20 minutes of the half before the Bulldogs (9-5, 2-1) challenged in the offensive end for the first time. But the possession wouldn't produce a shot for the Black and Gold, who didn't get their first look at scoring until the 24th minute.

The Black and Gold defense would hold strong for the remainder of the half, though, and send the hosts into the locker room with just a one-goal deficit after 35 minutes of action.

The Bulldogs came out and threatened that Monmouth lead immediately to start the second, as rookie Erin Karcher (Kennet Square, Pa.) charged into the circle and fired a shot that was denied by Hawk defender Brittany Evangelisti on the goal line. The momentum wouldn't last, though, and Monmouth would double its lead with 26:47 left to play, when Carroll made good on a penalty stroke awarded to the visitors.

Melanie Dawson made it 3-0 in Monmouth's favor with under 20 minutes to play, connecting on a feed from Alyssa Ercolino on the Hawks' ninth penalty corner of the game and fifth of the second half alone.

The Bulldogs earned their first penalty corner of the afternoon with 15 to go in regulation, but the initial shot from Olivia Jankins (West Brookfield, Mass.) and the rebound try from Michelle Fallon (Pompton Plains, N.J.) were both turned away by Monmouth goalie Teresa Mathews.

O'Dwyer and Carroll connected once again off a penalty corner with less than 11 minutes showing on the clock to wrap up the game's scoring and put the contest firmly out of reach for the 4-0 final margin.

Bryant would muster just seven shots (2 on goal) on the day to Monmouth's 15 (10 on goal), and the Hawks would see 12 penalty corners to just three for the Bulldogs. Senior goalie Megan Hancock (Skowhegan, Maine) made six stops despite taking the loss.

Bryant will look to close October play with a win when the team takes to the highways for a 7 p.m. matchup against Robert Morris Friday in Moon Township, Pa.