BALTIMORE – The UMBC women's soccer team scored both of its goals in the first half and went on to defeat the Bryant Bulldogs, 2-1, on Senior Day at Retriever Soccer Park on Sunday afternoon.

UMBC (6-6-3) secured three crucial points in the America East Conference and improved its league record to 2-3. This victory propelled the Retrievers to third place in the current standings, with only three games left in the regular season. The six overall wins and two America East victories represent the program's best performance since the 2016 season.

The Retrievers dominated the first half, outshooting the Bulldogs by a margin of 15-1 and attempting seven corner kicks.

Junior striker Payton Schenning put UMBC on the scoreboard just 5:58 into the game with a powerful shot from 12 yards out, marking her third goal of the season. Senior midfielder Delainey Varela-Keen intercepted a pass at the 25-yard line and quickly found freshman Delainey Proctor a few yards ahead. Proctor passed the ball to classmate Zoe Brossman, who centered it to Schenning, who was wide open. Schenning (game-high three shots) fired a shot that hit the inside of the right post and deflected off Bulldogs' goalkeeper Shannon Mejia, who had attempted a diving save to her left.

UMBC extended its lead to 2-0 in the 36th minute with a remarkable corner kick from sophomore Reagan Casper. Casper sent a left-footed laser to the back post that curled and nicked the inside of the woodwork before going straight into the net for her first career goal.

Senior forward Cece Price just missed early in the second half as she hit the post after eluding reserve goalie Selena Negron on the right side of the box.

Bryant (4-4-5, 1-2-2 AE) made the match more competitive by cutting the lead in half with just 18:06 remaining in the match.

Senior forward Madison Luke intercepted the ball on the Retrievers' end, advanced a few yards, and then beat UMBC graduate goalkeeper Kalli Williams with a low shot into the right corner from just outside the left side of the box.

The Retrievers tightened their defense for the remainder of the match and improved to 5-3 at home this season. UMBC held a 17-7 advantage in shots and limited the Bulldogs to just two shots on goal. Additionally, the Retrievers had a 10-1 edge in corner kicks.

UMBC will travel to Maine next Sunday for a noon match.