BURRILLVILLE, R.I. (1/2/2026) - The Nichols College women's ice hockey team was ultimately handed a loss in a close contest against the Albertus Magnus College Falcons in their Friday night match-up at Levy Rink. Tied at 2-a-piece and with the conclusion of overtime, the Bison were handed a non-conference loss, 2-3. 

With said loss, Nichols falls to 2-9-0 on the season, with their conference record remaining the same. Albertus Magnus continues to stay undefeated, improving their record to 8-0-1. 

The Bison started out strong in the first period, knocking down an even-strength goal at 14:45, credited to the efforts of freshman forward Keira Goffe. Goffe, assisted by Alexis Pacheco, gave the Bison an early lead and momentum to finish out the period. The Falcons retaliated soon after with a goal of their own at 8:05, tying the game at 1-1. With momentum and pace in transition, Goffe's scoring heroics gave the Bison their second lead of the game with a shot close to the Falcons' goaltender, putting the Bison up 2-1 at 5:22. Assisted by Sienna Reeves, it marks Goffe's second score of the game, and her fourth of the season. The Falcons were quick in their retaliatory goal at 1:15, setting the game at 2-2 to end the period.

The second period saw strong defensive efforts for the Bison. Freshman goaltender Ivy Grant deflected five shots to keep the game tied, standing tall against a power play opportunity and keeping composure when the Falcons added an extra skater with their goalie coming off at 6:11. The Bison also blocked seven shots to add to the defense, with Kerstin Ambruso's four blocks and Kasey Litwin's three contributing the bulk of the blocking total for the game. Offensively, the Bison struggled to make scoring chances, notching a game-low two for the period. Nonetheless, both squads entered the third period tied.

Nichols put up eight shots in the third period, playing well as a unit on both ends. Albertus Magnus also gave up two penalties, opening the door for power-play opportunities and a game-winner. Though the ending shot never appeared in regulation, credited to the defense of both sides of the ice. The Bison put up eight shots but were unable to post a goal, with the Falcons' ten sharing the same fate. When the horn rang, both teams prepared for a five minute overtime period to decide the outcome of the contest.

In three-on-three competition, Albertus Magnus sealed the game with their goal at 3:57; the final score of the game, 2-3.

Nichols won the face-off battle 36-67, with the highest individual face-off wins across both teams being Goffe's 15-26.

The Nichols College women's ice hockey team will continue their season with a consecutive match against Albertus Magnus College, who are hosting at the Ralph Walker Skating Rink. Puck-drop is set for Saturday, January 3rd at 4:00 PM.