NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – Two Nichols freshmen recorded their first career points as the field hockey program shutout the University of Maine-Farmington Beavers 5-0 on Saturday afternoon in the first round of the Carol Newoff Classic at Smith College.
 
Freshman Taylor Breen opened the scoring for the Bison (2-0) just under three minutes into the first quarter, collecting a rebound off the Beavers (0-1) goalie before sending it into the back of the net. Graduate student Sam Ahaesy was credited with the assist on the play.
 
Less than two minutes into the second quarter, Breen collected her second goal of the contest, burying a feed from graduate student Dana Edwards. Four minutes later, Breen then netted a pass from freshman Merle Steinau, completing her first career hat trick and giving Steinau the first point of her career.
 
With just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter, freshman Kaelyn Casper found her way into the box score, scoring the first goal of her career off a pass from senior Erin Anthony. Casper found the back of the net again 20 minutes later when she redirected a pass from Edwards, capping the scoring for the Bison at five.
 
Senior Megan Fuchs and sophomore Sophia Venable split time in goal, combining for the shutout.
 
The Bison head back to Northampton tomorrow, Sunday, September 3^rd, to face host Smith College in the championship match of the Carol Newoff Classic at 1:00 p.m.