DUDLEY, Mass. (10/16/23) – The seniors were the stars of the game as the Nichols College women's soccer triumphed their non-conference matchup against the Fitchburg State University Falcons 4-0 on senior night from Vendetti Field.

Nichols moves up to a record of 3-10-2 (0-5-1 CCC) the year, and the Fitchburg State University Falcons drop to 2-9-3 on the season.
 
It didn't take long for Bison senior Madeleine Soudant to break open the scoring when she rushed up the right side of the field and tapped a ball around the Fitchburg goalkeeper, thanks to a pass from fellow senior Grace Killman. The connection by the pair had the Bison feeling good after taking over the 1-0 less than 3 minutes into the match.
 
The seniors continued their stampede as it was Grace Killman's turn with the scoring play as she put the ball past an outspread Falcons goalkeeper, thanks to a redirection from Rajchel Smardon off a cross from Emma Norton. The score pushed to 2-0 less than 20 minutes into the match.
 
The Bison took the lead into the half, but to open the second half junior goalkeeper Adie Hughes had her first big test of the evening and answered the call with a sliding save to stop an unmarked Fitchburg State striker in the box. She continued to be tested by the Falcons though the early portion of the second half, standing tall in goal for the black and green.
 
The Bison got back into the scoring section in the 71^st minute when senior honoree Jenna Condon fed the ball to sophomore Falyn Hunt, who tapped in her 2^nd goal of the season. Just seconds later, it was junior Alana Snow who headed the ball into the net, after a Falcons defender redirected a long ball from graduate student Emma Noel. That ball added to the Bison lead which no sat at 4-0 with less than 20 minutes to play.
 
The Bison story was good enough to be true as they fished out the picture-perfect match with a 4-0 final score.
 
In the Fitchburg side in goal, all three goalkeepers saw time for the visitors, where Vaudo, Pendleton, and Dawkins combined for 8 saves in the outing.
 
Adie Hughes' sensational performance was reflected in the numbers as she recorded her second straight shutout this season and made 8 saves, many key ones coming in the second half of action.
 
Following the match, the Nichols College Division of Athletics and the Women's Soccer program honored 7 seniors for their dedication to the Bison family. Hughes, Killman, Norton, Soudant, Smardon, Condon, and Avalynne Leneau were all honored following the match.
 
The Women's Soccer Team continues their home stretch as they are set to host the defending CCC champions the Western New England Golden Bears in their final home game of the 2023 season. The match is set for Thursday October 19^th at the Nichols College Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.