WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The Nichols College women's lacrosse team dropped a 19-9 decision to the University of Hartford on Wednesday afternoon at Al-Marzook Field in CNE conference play.

With the loss, the Bison move to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in conference action, while the Hawks improve to 7-5 overall and 4-2 in league play.

The Bison were led offensively by Cali Melo, who recorded a team-high four points on three goals and an assist. Kaylyn Bourque and Catherine Vetter each added two goals, with Vetter also contributing an assist. Emma Patton chipped in a goal and an assist, while Makala Dube facilitated the offense with two assists. Gabriella Mandirola also found the back of the net for Nichols.

Defensively, goalkeeper Briar Slattery played all 60 minutes, finishing with seven saves while facing 33 total shots, including 17 on goal. She also added six ground balls in a strong effort anchoring the Bison defense.

Hartford opened the contest with strong offensive pressure, jumping out to a 2-0 lead before Bourque put Nichols on the board midway through the first quarter. The Hawks continued to capitalize on possessions, building a 4-1 advantage before Patton scored in the final minute of the period to cut the deficit to 4-2.

In the second quarter, Hartford extended its lead with a pair of early goals, but Nichols responded behind Bourque, who netted her second of the game to keep the Bison within reach. After Hartford stretched the margin to 8-3, Nichols mounted a late push. Mandirola sparked the run with a goal at the 4:25 mark, followed by a man-up strike from Melo and a quick finish from Vetter in the closing seconds to trim the deficit to 8-6 at halftime.

Coming out of the break, Hartford seized control of the game. The Hawks dominated the third quarter, outscoring Nichols 6-0 while controlling possession at the draw and capitalizing on free-position opportunities. Despite several key saves from Slattery, Hartford extended its lead to 14-6 heading into the fourth.

Nichols showed fight in the final frame, with Vetter opening the scoring on a man-up opportunity off a feed from Melo. Melo later added two more goals, including another man-up conversion assisted by Dube, bringing the Bison within 16-9 midway through the quarter. However, Hartford continued to respond offensively, scoring three of the final four goals to secure the 19-9 victory.

Nichols will look to bounce back this weekend when they celebrate Senior Day against the Golden Bears of Western New England on April 11th at Vendetti Field. Opening draw is set for 4:00 PM.