HARTFORD, Conn. (10/18/2025) – The Nichols field hockey team ended their eight-game skid on Saturday, after besting the University of Hartford, 2-0 for their first conference triumph of the season at Al-Marzook Field.

The Bison improve to 3-12 (1-3 CNE) with the victory, while the Hawks drop to 3-10 (0-6 CNE).

The Bison and Hawks went scoreless through the entirety of the first half, but Nichols held an 11-4 shots advantage throughout, including 10 that made it on net. However, the quiet play didn't stop there, as neither side was able to produce the game's first goal in the third, with both teams drawing even at two shots apiece.

Finally, in the 51^st minute of the action, Nichols broke the silence and took a 1-0 lead after a series of initial chances off a penalty corner were denied by the Hartford goalkeeper, but produced enough of a rebound for Emma Bianculli to poke it into the back of the goal for her third strike of the season. Then, just about six minutes later, freshman Lily Gibson tallied her second goal of the season to give the Bison some insurance with a 2-0 lead, which came on a fast break off a feed from Bianculli. This would prove to be the game winner for the Bison, completing their 2-0 shutout.

It was the first time this season that the Bison did not yield an opponent shot on goal, limiting the Hawks to just six shot attempts throughout. Freshman Jessa Altemose (3-8) earned the shutout in goal, her second of the season.

Nichols will host Bridgewater State University (12-2, 8-1 MASCAC) on Wednesday, October 22^nd for a 7:00 PM non-conference game at Vendetti Field.