PROVIDENCE, R.I. (11/7/2026) – The Nichols College women's ice hockey team battled Johnson & Wales University in a Conference of New England (CNE) matchup Saturday afternoon, but a three-goal second period proved to be the difference as the Bison fell to the Wildcats 4-1.
With the result, Nichols moves to 3-2-0 overall (0-2-0 CNE), while Johnson & Wales improves to 3-0-0 overall and 2-0-0 in conference action.
Following a scoreless first period, Johnson & Wales broke through at 5:43 of the second when Brynn Leahy scored off an assist from Marissa Lafferty. Zoe Tow doubled the Wildcats' lead at 7:48, finishing a play set up by Ashley Bergeron. Tow struck again at 12:08, converting a pass from Bergeron and Sophia Brea to give Johnson & Wales a 3-0 advantage heading into the third period.
The Wildcats extended their lead to four just 2:24 into the final period when Tow completed her hat trick with help from Brea. Nichols responded at 7:28 as Litwin found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. The unassisted tally put the Bison on the board and made it a 4-1 contest. Nichols continued to pressure the Wildcats throughout the third period, recording 21 shots in the frame. Johnson & Wales goalkeeper Katelyn Cardoso turned aside the remaining attempts to preserve the victory.
Ivy Grant made 23 saves in net for Nichols. The Bison went 0 for 5 on the power play, while the Wildcats were held scoreless on their lone power play opportunity. Freshman
Gabriella Bassett won all five face offs in the game.
Nichols returns to the ice on Friday, November 13th, when they travel to the Canton Ice House to face Curry College in CNE action. Puck drop is set for 7 PM.
