NORTON, MASS. – The Nichols College women's volleyball team fell in straight sets to Wheaton College (12-25, 20-25, 9-25) in their final non-conference match up of the season thursday evening at The Evelyn Danzig Haas Athletic Center.

With the loss, the Bison record drops to 8-17 (2-6 CNE) and the Lyons move to 11-16 (2-7 NEWMAC)

Senior Melina Bezati, Kya Burdier, and first-year Alyssa Morse led the Bison offense, with Bezati posting a team-high six kills, Morse adding five, and Burdier contributing three. Junior Elizabeth Mullen made an impact from the service line with two aces and anchored the defense with 10 digs. Graduate student Ruby St. Onge recorded one ace and a team-leading 13 assists. Senior Maille Ianniruberto added two solo blocks at the net, moving her into first place in program history with 94 career solo blocks.

The Bison struck first, earning the opening point of the match. However, their early momentum was short-lived as Wheaton responded with a dominant 10–1 run to build a comfortable lead. Nichols attempted to rally behind kills from Morse and Ianniruberto, but the Lyons maintained control and closed out the first set, 25–12.

Nichols entered the second set determined to bounce back, opening with a four-point surge highlighted by a kill from Burdier. Both teams traded points in a tightly contested frame, with neither side giving much ground. The Bison found offense from multiple contributors, including service aces from Mullen and kills from Bezati and sophomore Gabrielle McKayle. Despite four lead changes and six ties, Wheaton pulled away late, taking the final five points to claim the set, 25–20, and a 2–0 match lead.

The Lyons carried their momentum into the third set, keeping Nichols on its heels. Wheaton jumped out to a 10–3 advantage and followed with another 10-point run to put the match out of reach. The Bison managed a few late points from Bezati and Burdier, but the Lyons secured the 25–9 set win to complete the 3–0 sweep.

Nichols returns home for its final match of the regular season on Wednesday, November 5, when the Bison host Gordon College (17–8, 5–3 CNE) at 7:00 p.m.