SMITHFIELD, R.I. –
Callie Caito recorded a hat trick as the Bryant field hockey team set a program record in a 10-1 victory over Merrimack on Friday afternoon at Cowen Field.
With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 2-1 on the season. Bryant will host Providence College on Sunday at 12:00 p.m.
Merrimack scored in the first five minutes on Friday but Caito's goal as time expired in the first quarter sparked the Black and Gold. The Bulldogs would go on to score a single-game record 10 goals, with seven different players finding the back of the cage.
Game Information
Bryant 10, Merrimack 1
Records: Bryant (2-1), Merrimack (0-2)
Location: Cowen Field (Smithfield, R.I.)
Key Moment
- Caito carried along the endline and her centering pass deflected off a Merrimack stick and into the back of the cage just as time expired, tying the game at 1-1.
First Quarter
- Merrimack took advantage of a Bryant turnover to score the game's first goal. The Warriors were able to collect a loose ball in the circle and fire it home.
- It remained 1-0 until the final seconds as Caito beat the first quarter buzzer. Her centering pass deflected off a Merrimack stick and found the back of the net as time expired.
Second Quarter
- Bryant used the momentum from the Caito goal to score just 35 seconds into the second quarter. Claire Joss sent a long pass ahead to Elyse Bouchard to start the play. Bouchard then played a ball through the Merrimack goalie that Maddy DeFilippo tipped home.
- The Bulldogs extended their lead four minutes later with a stroke. Elsa Bishop was awarded the stroke and fired home her first collegiate goal.
- Bryant made it 4-1 with just under five minutes remaining in the quarter. Ainara Xarau carried baseline and centered a pass that Emerson Johnson slotted into the back of the cage.
Third Quarter
- The Bulldogs pushed their lead to 7-1 with three goals in the third. Caito started things with her second the day, carrying the ball across the top of the circle before firing a reverse into the top corner of the net.
- Elyse Bouchard then scored twice less than a minute apart to make it 7-1. Bouchard tipped home a shot for her first of the game and then knocked home a loose ball moments later.
Fourth Quarter
- Caito completed her hat trick just 32 seconds into the fourth quarter. She carried the ball from midfield and fired home her own rebound.
- Sasha Hammond and Kerin Birch each scored their first career goals just 22 seconds apart to close the scoring. Hammond hammered a loose ball off a penalty corner, while Birch finished a loose ball in the circle.
Bryant Notes and Notables
- Bryant is now 15-2 all-time against Merrimack. The Bulldogs have won each of the last seven meetings.
- Friday's 10 goals are a single-game program record.
- Caito recorded her first career hat trick and the first hat trick by a Bulldog since Brittany Gouws in 2022.
- Caito now has 13 career goals.
- Bouchard finished the game five points on two goals and an assist. She now has 11 career points (3g, 5a).
- Bishop, Hammond and Birch all scored their first career goals.
- Bishop has now posted points in each of the last two games.
- Johnson has now scored in each of the last two games.
- DeFilippo posted her second goal of the season.
Up Next
Bryant closes out the weekend on Sunday as it welcomes Providence College to Cowen Field. Pass back is set for 12:00 pm.
