Recap
Sophomore Lizz McKinnon scored the eventual game-winning goal eight minutes into the second half as the Nichols College field hockey team edged Lasell College 2-1 in the season opener for both Friday evening at Vendetti Field.

Freshman Mackenzie Snow added her first collegiate goal late in the first half, and both senior Erin Jillson and junior Erin Kelley collected assists for the Bison (1-0), who picked up the win despite being outshot 25-16.

Jillson helped get the scoring starting with 1:09 left in the first half. She collected a ball off a corner and took a shot towards Lasell freshman keeper Makena Leazer. Snow was in front and deflected Jillson's shot into the net. Early in the second half, Kelly sent a cross in from the left corner to McKinnon, who was waiting in traffic and buried the pass at 42:53.

Lasell showed some life late as senior Nikki Pignone scored at 68:48 with an assist from junior Sam Taylor. The Bison were able to hold off the Lasers for the final seven minutes and seal the first victory of the year.

Three things you need to know…
-With the win, the Bison have won three of the last four meetings with the Lasers and now lead the all-time series, 8-2.
-Junior goalkeeper Brooke Misbach - who entered the season ninth all-time in saves with 349 - recorded 15 saves for the Bison.
-The Lasers held a 14-3 edge in penalty corners.

Quote
"This was an exciting win for us! The girls worked hard as individuals this summer and as a team during the preseason to help get us to the next level. This win is a result of their hard work." - Nichols head coach Jenn Townsend

Next game
Tuesday, September 4 vs Clark (MA), 7:00 p.m.