SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University men's lacrosse team opens the 2026 season on Friday afternoon as it faces in-state rival Providence College at Chapey Field. Faceoff is set for 2:00 p.m. 

The Particulars
Opponent: Providence
Location: Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium (Providence, R.I.)
Date and Time: Thursday, Feb. 6– 2:00 p.m.
Watch: Friars Live
Live Stats: Sidearm
Social Media: Facebook | X | Instagram | #GoBryant | #AEMLax 

THE SERIES

• Bryant owns a 10-5 lead in the all-time series with Providence.
• The Friars earned a 15-12 victory in Smithfield last season, snapping Bryant's four-game winning streak in the series.
• Providence outscored Bryant 6-2 in the fourth quarter to rally for the win last season.
• Patrick Walsh led Bryant with five points (3g, 2a).

WELCOME TO 2026

• Bryant heads into 2026 picked second in the America East Preseason Poll.
• Luke Mead and Dawson Rielly were named to the preseason All-America East team.

BULLDOG NOTES AND NOTABLES

• Dawon Rielly returns as Bryant's leading scorer from a season ago. He netted 46 points off 41 goals and five assists.
• Zac Amend (24g, 9a), John Tomsheck (12g, 17a), Patrick Walsh (15g, 11a) and Owen West (12g, 8a) all return after posting 20+ points last season.
• Defensively, Luke Mead is back after posting 24 ground balls and 20 caused turnovers. 
• Jack McCloskey produced 17 ground balls and 13 caused turnovers.
• JJ Murphy (160-279-.573) and Jordan Hernando (48-84-.571) are back after both producing a 57 percent success rate at the X.
• Scott Einarson started all 15 games for the Bulldogs last season, posting a .515 save percentage.

SCOUTING THE FRIARS

• Providence enters Friday at 1-0 on the year following a 15-10 win over Holy Cross last Saturday.
• Rhett Chambers led the way with four goals and two assists, while Matt Lazzaro collected five points (3g, 2a).
• Jay Wilkerson potted four goals for the Friars.
• Chris Esposito went 15-22 at the X, while Cam Sterritt stopped 15 shots.

Follow Bryant University men's lacrosse on Facebook, X and Instagram to get an inside look at the program.