Field Hockey Falls to Nichols in Season Opener, 4-1

DUDLEY, Mass. -- The Nichols College field hockey team opened the 2022 season with a 4-1 victory over visiting Bridgewater State University on Thursday night at Vendetti Field.

The Bison potted the first four goals of the game before BSU senior forward Sophia Morse (West Bridgewater, Mass.) broke up the shutout bid with 4:27 remaining in the fourth quarter. The unassisted tally marked Morse's second collegiate goal.

Nichols received a pair of first quarter goals from graduate forward Dana Edwards (Groveland, Mass.) and senior midfielder Erin Anthony (Somers, Conn.). The Bison would take a 2-0 lead into halftime.

Unassisted tallies by freshman defender Taylor Breen (Shrewsbury, Mass.) in the third quarter and graduate midfielder Sam Ahaesy (Dartmouth, Mass.) in the fourth staked the hosts to a 4-0 lead.

Anthony and Ahaesy paced the Nichols' offense with a goal and an assist apiece.

The Bison finished with a 35-16 shot advantage while the Bears held an 8-4 edge in penalty corners.

Senior netminder Megan Fuchs (Woodbury, Conn.) made six saves to earn the win between the pipes for Nichols. Freshman goalkeeper Ashley Hamelin (Whitinsville, Mass.) turned aside 11 shots in her collegiate debut for Bridgewater State.

The Bears are off until next Wednesday (Sept. 7) when the entertain Simmons University at seven o'clock. The Bison take on UMaine Farmington on Saturday (Sept. 3) afternoon at 2:30 in the semifinal round of the Caryl Newoff Tournament hosted by Smith College.