HARRISVILLE, R.I. (1/31/2025) – Three unanswered goals including a pair of power-play goals powered the Nichols College women's hockey team past Johnson & Wales University, 3-1 in Conference of New England (CNE) play on Friday night from Levy Rink.

Sophomore Anneliese Klein scored a goal and added an assist, while graduate student Grace Melanson and senior Melissa Montesi each scored goals. Freshman Kerstin Ambruso added two assists and teammate Sienna Reeves chipped in with an assist.

After a scoreless opening 20 minutes, the Wildcats opened the scoring with a power-play goal less than a minute into the second period. The Bison rallied with a power-play goal of their own. After a face-off win from Melanson, Reeves and Ambruso played pass. Reeves sent a pass across the point to Klein who one-timed the shot into the back of the net to make it 1-1 with 17:40 remaining in the second period.

The Bison scored with 2.4 seconds remaining in the second period after Klein's point shot deflected off of Melanson on the power-play and into the back of the net for the 2-1 Bison lead. The goal was Melanson's fifth goal of the season and the game-winning goal.

The third period was more of the same for the Bison as they carried play. Nichols forced a turnover in the Wildcats zone and Montesi gathered in the puck and ripped a wrist shot over the netminder's shoulder and into the back of the net for some insurance in the game.

Nichol won 3-1 over Johnson & Wales to earn some much-needed conference points. Nichols went 2-5 on the power-play and the penalty kill was 1-2 in the game as well.  Melanson and freshman Angalisa Caceda both lead the way from the face-off circle with 10 wins each. Senior McKenzie Muire turned away 19 shots in the win.

Nichols will head to Johnson & Wales to wrap up the season series on Saturday afternoon. Puck drop is set for 5:15 p.m.