WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (4/1/2026) - The Nichols College men's lacrosse team traveled to the University of Hartford on Wednesday afternoon to compete in a conference match up against the Hawks at Al-Marzook Field. Despite their deficit removing efforts late in the game, the Bison came up short against Hartford, 7-18.

Following the loss, the Bison drop to 6-5 on the season, with a 2-1 record in the Conference of New England (CNE). Hartford improves, seeing their record rise to 6-3, 3-0 in the CNE.

Nichols' goal-scoring efforts were led by Shea Ullo, who produced two goals in nine shots on the night against the Hawks. Adding to scoring were Max Leavitt, Jonah Libby, Jack Campbell, Kane Williams, and Connor Doherty, each contributing one goal a-piece to round out the goals column. Williams and Doherty led the Bison in the assist totals, helping create scores with two assists on the night for each. 

Leading Nichols' for ground balls was Travis Arnold with nine, also winning 11 faceoffs in the game. Arnold's efforts at centerfield produced a new individual feat in most faceoff wins in a total career. As of tonight, Arnold's 611 career faceoff wins in his time at The Hill crowns him as the No. 1 spot in the category, replacing Kevin D'Angelo's (2014-17) total of 606.

Hartford struck quickly to open the contest, scoring twice in the opening minute and building early momentum. Nichols responded with a spark from Shea Ullo, who found the back of the net at the 12:22 mark to cut into the deficit. The two sides traded chances throughout the remainder of the quarter, with Jack Campbell finishing off a feed from Conor Doherty to keep Nichols within reach, but Hartford closed the frame on a late run to take a 6-2 lead after one.

The second quarter saw Hartford continue to capitalize on key opportunities, adding five goals in the period to extend its advantage. Despite steady offensive pressure and possessions in the attacking zone, Nichols was limited to a single goal, as Ullo struck again in the final seconds of the half off an assist from John Caserta to make it 11-3 heading into the break.

Nichols continued to battle in the third quarter, generating chances and breaking through midway as Jonah Libby converted off a pass from Kane Williams. However, Hartford maintained control, responding with a six-goal quarter to widen the gap entering the final period.

The Bison showed resilience down the stretch, putting together their strongest offensive stretch of the afternoon in the fourth. Williams sparked the run with a goal early in the quarter, before assisting on a strike by Max Leavitt minutes later. Doherty added a late tally to cap a three-goal frame for Nichols, as the visitors continued to push until the final whistle, handing the Bison a 7-18 loss.

Men's Lacrosse will look to recoup in their next outing against Gordon College on April 4th, hosted at Vendetti Field. Carter Renaud, Jonah Libby, Joey LaChance, John Caserta, Travis Arnold, Tyler Barents, Fionn O'Rahilly, and Conor Doherty will all be recognized before the game for their Senior Day. Start time is set for 1:00 PM.