NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – Sophomore Abigail Karalus scored the game-winning goal 12 minutes into the first quarter to propel the Nichols College field hockey team to a 3-1 win over Westfield State Sunday morning at the Caryl Newof Classic.

Graduate student Dana Edwards and junior Mackenzie Doran also found the back of the cage for the Bison, who opened the season 2-1 for the second time in three years. Freshman goalie Sophia Venable turned aside seven shots to record her second collegiate win as NC improved to 4-2 all-time against Westfield State.

Nichols – which held a 9-4 edge in penalty corners – build a 3-0 lead as it scored three times in the first 18:08 of the contest. The Owls finally got on the board at the 57:59 mark but got no closer. Both teams fired off 10 shots.

Graduate Student Liza Phillips was named to the All-Tournament Team.