NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (9/1/23) – The Nichols College field hockey team kicked off their 2023 season on Friday afternoon against Westfield State in the Caryl Newhof Classic, hosted by Smith College. The Bison fell 7-1 in the first game of the season.

Sophomore Kaelyn Casper scored her first goal of the season and the lone tally for the Bison in the second quarter. Junior Sophia Venable saw the majority of the action between the pipes, making six saves in the effort. Freshman Fallyn Belisle made her collegiate debut in net in relief, making one save in the appearance.

The Owls opened the scoring in the first quarter and led after the first 15 minutes. The Bison pulled themselves even at the 21:59 mark of the second quarter, thanks to Casper's first tally of the year. Westfield quickly responded less then 15 second later, to regain the lead.

The Owls continued to up the pressure, scoring another goal in the third quarter before tallying four times in the final frame to secure the 7-1 win over the Bison.

Nichols will return to action tomorrow, Saturday, September 2 as they continue on the Caryl Newhof Classic, as they take on UMaine Farmington.