UAlbany Dominates Bryant in America East Quarterfinals
In a thrilling match at Alumni Field, UAlbany, the No. 3 seed, secured a 6-1 victory over No. 6 seed Bryant in the America East Quarterfinals on Sunday. Jette Kurz shone brightly, scoring four goals and showcasing her skills to lead her team.
Despite the loss, Bryant ended its season with notable moments, finishing with a 4-14 record. This was the Bulldogs’ first postseason appearance since 2016. Megan Smith managed to score their only goal, thanks to a solid assist from Claire Joss.
Game Highlights
First Quarter: The game started off with Brie Dwyer making an impressive defensive play, stopping a shot along the goal line. Kurz soon put UAlbany on the board with her first goal from a penalty corner.
Second Quarter: Both teams struggled offensively, ending the quarter without any goals. Bryant missed a chance with a failed penalty corner.
Third Quarter: UAlbany exploded with three goals in a short span. Kurz scored twice in just over a minute, completing her hat trick. A penalty corner goal followed, extending UAlbany’s lead to 4-0.
Fourth Quarter: The Great Danes added two more goals, building a strong 6-0 lead. With three minutes left, Bryant finally got on the scoreboard when Joss fed Smith, who deflected the ball into the net.
Notable Performances
- Smith finished the season with her fifth goal, showing promise for the future.
- Joss recorded her second assist of the season.
- Goalkeeper Maud van Lierop made six saves, highlighting her effort in a challenging match.
This quarterfinal game reinforces UAlbany’s strength and gives Bryant valuable experience as they look ahead to the next season. As both teams move forward, the lessons learned in these high-stakes matches will shape their paths in future competitions.
For more information on the tournament and future matches, you can visit America East Conference.
