BIDDEFORD, Maine (10/4/2025) – Graduate student Merle Steinau scored her second goal of the season as Nichols College field hockey shouldered a 7-1 loss to host University of New England on Saturday afternoon at Blue Bolt Field in Conference of New England play.

The loss is the sixth in a row for the Bison, moving them to 2-10 (0-4 CNE) overall on the season. UNE improves to 6-5 (2-2 CNE) with the win.
The host Nor'easters got on the board first in the match, tallying four unanswered goals on eight shots in the opening quarter, including their first just 1:16 into the action. Entering the second quarter, it took all of 13 seconds for the Nor'easters to increase their lead to 5-0, with another goal to follow in the 19^th minute of play to further the host advantage to 6-0. Steinau broke Nichols' silence with her lone goal in the 24^th minute to cut the deficit to 6-1, with senior Kaelyn Casper providing the helper, but UNE countered shortly thereafter with under a minute to play in the half to make it a 7-1 contest at halftime.

Despite a 12-0 UNE advantage in shots, neither side would score again in the second half, with the 7-1 score remaining untouched throughout the final 30 minutes.

The Bison will be back in action on Saturday, October 11^th against CNE opponent Endicott College (10-1, 4-0 CNE), beginning at 1:00 PM at Vendetti Field.