BURRILLVILLE, R.I. (1/9/2026) – The Nichols College women's ice hockey team dropped a 3-1 decision to Rivier University on Friday afternoon at Levy Rink. Nichols finished the game with a 47-16 advantage in shots on goal, but Rivier capitalized on key moments to earn the non-conference victory.
 
With the result, the Bison drops to 3-10-0 (0-8 CNE) on the year, while the Raiders move to 9-4-0 (4-1-0 MASCAC).
 
The Bison came out flying early and were rewarded at 9:03 in the first period. Alexis Pacheco opened the scoring with her second goal of the season, off assists from Kerstin Ambruso and Riley Devlin, to give Nichols a 1-0 lead. Rivier answered back at 13:19, as Lexi Davies netted the equalizer to make it 1-1 heading into the first intermission. Nichols outshot the Raiders 12-6 in the opening frame, with three Bison leading the way with 2 shots apiece.
 
Nichols continued to generate chances in the second period, but it was the Raiders who grabbed the lead on a short-handed goal. At 7:23, Tia Picardi capitalized on a defensive miscue by the Bison to put Rivier ahead 2-1. Despite recording 19 shots on goal in the period, the Bison were unable to solve Rivier goaltender Emily Krauss, who stood tall throughout the period.
 
Nichols pushed hard in the third, but Rivier added an insurance goal just 49 seconds into the period when Olivia Schultz extended the lead to 3-1. The Bison continued to attack late and pulled the goaltender for the extra skater, but Rivier's Krauss turned aside every opportunity to preserve the win.
 
Rhea Bullens led the Bison with blocked shots with 5, and Keira Goffe led in the faceoff circle, winning 16 of her 25 opportunities.
 
Nichols heads up to Maine tomorrow, January 10th, to take on the UNE Nor'easters for a 4 PM puck drop.