Box Score The fifth-seeded Nichols field hockey team fell to top-seeded New England College, 4-1, on Wednesday afternoon in the Commonwealth Coast Conference Semifinals. The Bison advanced to the semis for the first time since the 2000 season with a 3-2 win at fourth-seeded Gordon on Monday. The Pilgrims held a 2-0 lead by halftime and extended out to a 4-0 advantage nine minutes into the second half. Freshman Sara Bailey (Athol, MA) scored Nichols lone goal off a penalty stroke with 26 seconds left in the game.

New England College went 2-2 on its scoring opportunities in the first half as Brittney Vogrin and Lori Zaniboni were able to beat freshman MaryKate Bednarz (Springfield, MA) in the 7th and 21st minutes, respectively. The Bison had their chances, especially in the second half of play but Jacqui Parker held her own for New England College, stopping seven of Nichols eight shots on net, including six in the second half.

Nichols closes out the season 7-12 overall and 3-4 in CCC play. The team's seven wins were its most since the 2001 season. Bailey led the Bison with 12 goals this season. Freshman MaryKate Bednarz (Springfield, MA) played all1333 minutes in net, posting 179 saves and a 2.74 goals against average.