DUDLEY, Mass. -- Nichols College defeated Salve Regina 2-0 Saturday morning at Vendetti Field in The Commonwealth Coast Conference field hockey action. sophomore Amber Cottrell (Hoosick Falls, N.Y.) scored the winning goal for Nichols on a penalty stroke six minutes into the second half as she slapped one to the lower left corner past Salve Junior goalkeeper Devin Eppley (Darien, Conn.).

The first half was all defense for both sides. Salve Regina managed only one shot that went wide while Nichols was able to control the ball, but could not manage to get on the board.

The second half started the same as the first as both teams struggled to get their offenses going. Salve was able to manage their first shot on goal with 3:27 remaining. With 57 seconds left junior Sara Bailey (Athol, Mass.) added some insurance with a goal to put Nichols up 2-0 when she received a pass right in front of the net from sophomore Eileen Clinton (Londonderry, N.H.).

Nichols junior goalkeeper MaryKate Bednarz (Springfield, Mass.) ended the game with one save while Salve goalkeeper Eppley saved 13 shots.

With the victory Nichols improves to 6-4 and 3-0 in the TCCC and Salve Regina drops to 3-6 and 1-2 in the TCCC.

Nichols travels to Fitchburg State on Thursday for a 7 p.m. game, while the Seahawks travel to Endicott for 4 p.m. game Tuesday.

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