DUDLEY, Mass. (9/20/2025) – Facing their second Conference of New England opponent this season, the Nichols College field hockey team lost a close defensive battle with Johnson & Wales University, 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Vendetti Field.

With the loss, the Bison drop to 2-6 (0-2 CNE) overall, while the Wildcats improve to 5-1 (2-0 CNE).

The defensive battle started with a scoreless opening quarter, as both sides of the field paired early chances with timely saves from their netminders to keep things tied. Johnson & Wales amplified their pressure in the second quarter by outshooting the Bison 9-0, but freshman netminder Jessa Altemose continued to remain sharp for Nichols, keeping the guests off the board. The two teams, as a result of the defense-heavy first half, went into the halftime break still tied at 0-0.  

It didn't stop there, however, as the teams continued to hold each other at bay in the third quarter, with each team generating just two shots on goal. Entering the fourth and final frame, the Wildcats received a quality chance to break the scoreless tie with a penalty stroke in the 46^th minute, which was sent wide of the net to keep it a 0-0 contest. However, the Wildcats eventually ended the scoreless tie shortly thereafter on a solo effort shot from up high, which deflected off a Bison stick in front for the go-ahead goal, and eventual game winner.

 Altemose (2-6) logged the full 60 minutes for the Bison, and played a key role in their defensive effort, making a season-high 12 saves against the Wildcats.

The Bison will return home on Wednesday, September 24^th for a 7:00 PM non-conference tilt against Salve Regina University. Coverage begins at 7:00 PM from Vendetti Field.