SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant field hockey team opens the 2025 season with a pair of games at Steven '69 and Lily Cowen Field this weekend. Bryant welcomes New Haven on Friday (1:00 p.m.) before closing out the weekend on Sunday against Stonehill (12:00 p.m.).
This marks the second-straight seasdon that the Black and Gold will open the season at home and with consecutive home games. Bryant has won each of its last two season openers.
Game Information
Date: Friday, August 29
Opponent: New Haven
Location: Smithfield, R.I. (Cowen Field)
Time: 1:00 PM
Live Stats: Sidearm
Video: AE.tv
Date: Sunday, August 31
Opponent: Stonehill
Location: Smithfield, R.I. (Cowen Field)
Time: 12:00 PM
Live Stats: Sidearm
Video: AE.tv
Series History
- Bryant and New Haven will be meeting for the first time in program history on Friday. It will also mark the Chargers' first-ever game as a Division I program.
- The Bulldogs are 6-8 all-time vs Stonehill but have won all three meetings as Division I foes.
- Last season, Caitlin Gallagher scored on Bryant's only shot of the game, while Sara DeSousa and Maud van Lierop combined to shutout Stonehill, 1-0.
Bulldog Notes and Notables
- The 2025 season marks the first under head coach Kellie Joyce. Joyce comes to Smithfield after serving as an assistant coach Cornell University.
- Opening weekend serves as the first two of a season-opening four-game homestand for the Black and Gold. Bryant opened 2024 with six-straight home games, going 3-3.
- Bryant will need to replace its top scorers and seven starters from a season ago. Callie Caito (4g, 4a) and Natalie Griffin (4g, 3a) are leading returners.
- The Bulldogs will also be strong in cage as Sara DeSousa and Maud van Lierop return for their second season together.
A bit about New Haven
- New Haven begins a new chapter on Friday as it plays its first game as a Division I program. New Haven announced in the spring that it would make the transition from Division II and is now a member of the Northeast Conference.
- The Chargers finished 8-11 overall last season, posting a 7-6 mark in the NE-10.
- Erin Smith returns after leading the team with 20 points (8g, 4a) last season.
A bit about Stonehill
- Stonehill went 7-11 overall and 4-4 in the Northeast Conference last season.
- Emma McGrory and Makayla Strickulis return to lead Stonehill. McGrory posted 11 points (4g, 3a), while Strickulis notched four goals.
- The Skyhawks open the 2025 season on Friday at Northeastern.
