SMITHFIELD, R.I.—An explosive first quarter that saw 15 total goals slowed to a more normal scoring pattern as the Bellarmine Knights fell to the host Bryant Bulldogs 16-12 at Beirne Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
 
The meeting between the two "BUs" was a quick starter with the Bellarmine "BU" racing out to a 6-4 start over the first 11 minutes.  However, the Bryant "BU" responded with a 5-0 run over the final 3:33 of the first quarter to take a 9-6 lead, and the Knights never recovered.
 
After the initial barrage of scoring in the opening 15 minutes, the teams' offenses combined to produce just 13 goals the rest of the way. Bellarmine twice closed to within two goals, including at the 8:53 mark of the fourth quarter, but Bryant tallied the game's final two goals to make the final margin four.
 
Bryant's Marc O'Rourke finished as the game's top scorer with five goals and two assists while Kyle Playsted led the Knights with three goals and three assists. Other top performances included five goals and an assist for the Bulldogs' Bennett Abladian while Christian Della Rocco and Jesse Roth each recorded three goals and an assist for Bellarmine.
 
Team stats showed a big advantage for the Bulldogs in overall shots 50-37, but the Knights were even with Bryant in shots on goal at 28 apiece. Thanks to a 14-for-24 performance by freshman Cole Messick at the dot, Bellarmine finished plus-one in faceoffs, 16-15.  However, Bryant held the edge in the remaining team stats, including a 16-12 advantage in saves.
 
The Knights, who fall to 1-6 on the season, are back on the road in their next action, a Saturday contest at High Point.  Faceoff is scheduled for noon.
 
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