The first two goals of Brendan Hicks' Butler career propelled the Bulldogs to a 3-1 win Friday night at Providence. The win serves as Butler's first BIG EAST win over 2019, as the Bulldogs improve to 5-4 overall.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Providence (6-4, 1-2 BIG EAST) took a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute as Joao Serrano curved in a low corner kick that snuck just inside the near post.

The first of Hicks' two goals came in the 48^th minute. Jack Haywood launched a free kick from just outside the box that sent PC keeper Austin Aviza stretching to the upper left 90. He was able to get a hand on Haywood's attempt, but the rebound came right in front of the goal and Hick deposited it to tie the match.

Wilmer Cabrera, Jr.'s third goal of the season proved to be his third game-winner of the season. In the 60^th minute, Alex Lehtinen sent a cross to him on the right side of the box. Cabrera, Jr., was able to settle it and fire a shot with his right foot that got by Aviza.

Hicks provided an insurance goal in the 71^st minute, once again off a rebound. Cabrera, Jr.'s shot was pushed away by Aviza but Hicks was able to get to the ball first and his sliding shot found the net.

OF NOTE:

• Providence held a 15-7 advantage in shots, and had four corner kicks (compared to none for Butler)
• Hicks not only scored the first two goals of his Butler career; the goals came on the first two shots of his Butler career.
• Butler keeper Gabriel Gjergji made eight saves, one shy of his career-high. Seven came in the second half.
• Six of Butler's seven shots were on goal; five of the seven shots were either goals or initial shots that were rebounded in for goals.
• Butler played without senior forward Brandon Guhl, who is working back from an injury.

 
UP NEXT: The Bulldogs take another break from conference play, hosting Akron at the Sellick Bowl Tuesday night.