PROVIDENCE, R.I. (10/10/2026) - The Nichols College field hockey team battled Johnson & Wales University through 60 minutes of regulation before the Wildcats scored in overtime to secure a 1-0 Conference of New England (CNE) victory on Saturday afternoon at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletics Complex.
The Bison move to 4-7 overall and 2-3 in CNE play, while the Wildcats improve to 7-4 overall and 2-3 in conference action.
The Bison generated an early opportunity when Emma Bianculli put a shot on goal in the opening minutes, but JWU goalkeeper Sophia Brea made the save to keep Nichols off the scoreboard.
JWU applied pressure throughout the second quarter, earning multiple penalty corners, but were unable to break the scoreless tie. Then, Gabby Couillard recorded a shot during the period, while the Bison continued to keep the contest scoreless through halftime.
The Wildcats maintained their offensive pressure in the second half, finishing with 13 shots and eight penalty corners compared to two shots and one penalty corner for Nichols. Goalkeeper Fallyn Belisle helped keep the Bison in contention, recording a save in the fourth quarter as the teams remained deadlocked through regulation.
In overtime, JWU earned a penalty corner with one minute remaining in the extra period. Emily Downing converted the opportunity off an assist by Ava Pontes at 64:10 to deliver the game-winning goal for the Wildcats.
Field Hockey returns to non-conference play on Wednesday, October 14th at Western Connecticut State, with a start time of 6:00 PM at Westside Athletic Complex.
