Box Score

HARRISVILLE, R.I. - The Nichols College women's ice hockey team was defeated by No. 10 Manhattanville 1-0 in Saturday evening in Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Women's East action at Levy Rink.

After a tripping penalty on junior Grace Murphy (Montclair, Va.), the Valiants were able to go on the power play three-and-a-half minutes into the game. Junior Alla Traun (Edina, Minn.) netted the only goal of the game during that power play as she was able to best junior Francesca Palazzo (Bernardston, Mass.) off a rebound. Manhattanville's leading scorer on the year, junior Sydney Asselstine (Hartington, Ontario), was credited with the assist after her initial shot was deflected. Junior Michele Meggiolaro (Whippany, N.J.) was credited with her team high ninth assist as well.

The Bison were outshot in the first period 12-2 but came out strong in the second period, outshooting the Valiants 11-6, before being outshot in the third period 10-3.

Nichols had some great chances late in the third period. Freshman Samantha DiReda (Shrewsbury, Mass.) broke away from two defenders and led the Bison down the ice on a two-on-one alongside classmate Julia Mastrototaro (Holden, Mass.). Great defense by another freshman, Manhattanville's Taryn Harris (Morrison, Colo.), to deny the pass in front of the net and force DiReda to take a shot, led to a save by junior goaltender Kirsten Shaughnessy (Le Center, Minn.).

The Bison had their last great opportunity with less than a minue to go in regulation when Murphy got the puck right in front of the net, however her backhand shot struck the pad of Shaughnessy.

Palazzo finished the game with 27 saves while Shaughnessy stopped all 16 of the shots she faced to pick up her second shutout of the season.

"We picked up the intensity in the second and third periods and really put the pressure on them," said Nichols head coach Wil Brown. "I believe we outplayed them."

Both Nichols and Manhattanville are done playing in the month of December. The Bison return to action on January 3 when they travel to South Burlington, Vermont as the take part in the Saint Michael's Holiday Classic. Their first game will be against Plymouth State at 3:00 p.m. The Valiants travel to take on Bowdoin on January 4 at 2:00 p.m.