Biddeford, Maine (1/24/2026) — The Nichols College women's ice hockey team traveled to Biddeford, Maine for their third matchup of the season against the University of New England. The Bison battled defensively through a scoreless first period but surrendered two goals in the second as the University of New England held on to earn a 2-0 victory on Saturday night at the Harold Alfond Forum.

After tonight's results, Nichols drops to 5-13-0 on the season (2-11-0 CNE). UNE surges up to 8-10-0 (4-7-0 CNE), picking up crucial conference points with the win.

The opening period was tightly contested, with both teams generating chances but unable to break through. Nichols' goaltender Ivy Grant was sharp early, recording 10 saves and helping the Bison kill a late power play to keep the game scoreless through 20 minutes. The Bison held the advantage at the faceoff spot, winning 10 compared to the Nor'easters 6, with freshman Keira Goffe going a perfect 5 for 5 on faceoff wins in the period.

UNE broke the deadlock at 6:45 of the second period, when Emerson Homa scored at even strength off an assist from Jamie Ryan to give the Nor'easters a 1-0 lead. Despite having 10 shots on goal in the period, the Bison couldn't break through UNE's goaltender Danielle DeJon, who stood firm in net and turned aside every Bison attempt. The home team doubled its advantage at 18:51, as Mackenzie O'Leary finished a strong sequence with help from Adria Tebo and Hannah Humes, making it 2-0 heading into the final period.

The Bison and Nor'easters traded shots throughout the third period, but neither team could capitalize on the chances. With 4:12 remaining, the Bison pulled Grant to go on a 6-on-3 advantage after UNE found two of their players in the penalty box. The Nor'easters were able to defend off the power plays from the Bison, but Nichols kept on trying for the final two minutes with the extra skater advantage from their empty net. Despite the numerous attempts, UNE's DeJon turned aside the multiple shots and held onto the shutout. The game ended 2-0 in favor of the Nor'easters.

Grant finished with 22 saves for Nichols, while the Bison narrowly won the faceoff battle 25-24. Junior Ema Jaskova led the Bison with 2 blocked shots.

Nichols will look to bounce back as they travel back to Maine again on Tuesday for a non-conference game against Colby College. The contest is set for 4 PM.