SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Junior Sara Bailey (Athol, Mass.) had two goals and an assist to lead the Nichols field hockey team to a 4-1 victory over Western New England College Tuesday night in the final game of the regular season for both teams. The Bison evened their record at 9-9 and improved to 5-3 in The Commonwealth Coast Conference to earn the third seed in the conference playoffs. Nichols will host sixth seed Salve Regina Saturday at 1 p.m.

Senior Samantha Lacerra (Watertown, Mass.) added a goal and assist for the Bison, and first-year goalie Mary Michaud (Agawam, Mass.) made three saves for her first college victory in her first starting assignment.

Bailey scored the opening goal when she tipped in a shot from sophomore Amber Cottrell (Hoosick Falls, N.Y.) just 3:18 into the contest and then assisted on a goal by sophomore Eileen Clinton (Londonderry, N.H.) with 48 seconds remaining in the half.

Western New England College's hard work finally paid off when junior Lauren Arsenault scored at the 54:03 mark with an assist from sophomore Tara Breslawski.

Nichols quickly answered with Lacerra's first goal of the season 2:17 later and Bailey's final goal with 4:12 left in the game.

Freshman goalie Lindsey Orszulak compiled nine saves for the Golden Bears. WNEC ends its season with a 3-16 record and 2-6 mark in the conference.

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