DUDLEY, Mass. – The Nichols College football team was defeated by Salve Regina University 45-10 in the inaugural Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Football game Saturday at Vendetti Field.
 
Sophomore Tony Martignoli (Santa Rosa, Calif.) rushed in from four-yards out in the second quarter for the Bison, who committed over100 yards in penalties. Junior Jacob Duffrene (Boston, Mass.) notched a team-high 64 rushing yards while freshman Dominique Brunson (Winter Haven, Fla.) caught five passes for 61 yards. Sophomore Michael Spraulding (Lithonia, Ga.) led the defense with 12 tackles. Freshman Jaylen Encarnacion (Pawtucket, R.I.) picked up 10.
 
The Seahawks forced six turnovers to earn the victory. Senior Danny McDermott (Franklin, Mass.) added to his league-leading touchdown total as he threw for 151 yards and three scores, giving him 11 passing TD's on the season. Senior back James Dawson (Oradell, N.J.) picked up 151 rushing yards and scored three times while sophomore Brandon Nunes (Attleboro, Mass.) caught two touchdown passes.
 
Defensively, freshman Matt Messner (Midland Park, N.J.) recovered three fumbles for SRU and finished with five tackles. Senior linebacker Damian Dell'Anno (Reading, Mass.) registered a team-high nine tackles.
 
The Seahawks led 28-10 at halftime behind 115 yards and two scores from McDermott. A pair of touchdowns from Nunes in the third quarter from 10 and 26 yards out, respectively, extended the lead to 35-10 after three.

Freshman DeJante Starks (Braintree, Mass.) recorded his first collegiate interception for Nichols.
 
All-Time Series
Today's contest marked the 23rd all-time meeting between Nichols College and Salve Regina University. The Seahawks have won the last seven meetings and now lead the series, 14-9.
 
Next up
Nichols (2-4, 0-1 CCC) – Saturday, October 21 @ Curry, 1:00 p.m.
Salve Regina (4-1, 1-0 CCC) – Saturday, October 21 vs Endicott, 12:00 p.m.