College Crosse Roundup: Bryant Beats Monmouth.

Bryant vs. Monmouth.

Box Score: Bryant 10 vs. Monmouth 7.

Bryant Recap (Courtesy of the Providence Journal).

College Crosse Recap.

The Bryant Bull Dogs defeated the Monmouth Hawks 10-7 tonight in Smithfield, Rhode Island to win the only play-in game of the The Big BBQ 2017. Bryant jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first quarter and never really looked back, as they were able control the ball for much of the game, thanks in large part to their stout defense, and a great effort at the face-off by Kenny Massa. Despite the strong start by Bryant, Monmouth was still in the game for the first forty minutes of the game. Indeed, Monmouth responded to Bryant’s early run with two goals of their own in the first quarter, and went into halftime only down two goals, 5-3.

Neither team scored for much of the third period, however, BOSS Pressler’s Bull Dogs finished the quarter with 4 goals in the final 3 minutes of the third quarter and then tacked on one more goal at the 12:08 mark of the fourth, to cap off a 5-goal run to go up 10-3. Monmouth tried to mount a comeback late in the game, and actually scored the final four goals of the game, but by then it was too late to really threaten Bryant, as the Hawks scored their 7th and final goal of the game with 2 seconds left in the 4th.

Bryant had a very well-balanced offensive game tonight, as 7 different players found the back of the net. Tom Forsberg, Brett Baker, and Pearse McEneaney, all scored a pair of goals each, while Kyle Cornell led the team in total points with 3 assists on the night. Bryant’s goalie, James Werner had a solid night in the cage with 9 saves. Big shout out to Bryant’s star face-off man, Kenny Massa, who was great tonight, winning 14 of 19 face-offs to help Bryant control the pace of play.

Monmouth gave a good effort tonight, but the Bull Dogs were just better. Monmouth’s Bryce Wasserman (1 G & 1 A), Anthony Sardo (1 G & 1 A), and Eamon Campbell (2 Gs) all had two points each to tie for the team lead in points tonight. Nick Hreshko had a decent night in goal with 8 saves. Additionally, Monmouth’s EMO unit played well, as the Hawks were able to capitalize on 3 out of their 4 man-up opportunities.

Bryant will now face the Maryland Terrapins on Sunday May 14th.