DUDLEY, Mass. (9/1/2026) - The Nichols College field hockey team used a pair of second-quarter goals and a dominant second-half effort to earn a 3-0 shutout victory over Fitchburg State University in its home opener Tuesday afternoon at Michael J. Vendetti Field.
With the win, the Bison open the new season at 1-0 overall, while the Falcons drop to 0-2 respectively.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Nichols broke through early in the second.
Lily Gibson opened the scoring in the 21
st minute for her first goal of the season, unassisted, giving the Bison a lead they would not relinquish. Just over two minutes later,
Sofia Calabro doubled the advantage off an assist from
Emma Bianculli, sending Nichols into the halftime break with a 2-0 cushion.
The Bison continued to apply pressure throughout the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter. After going scoreless in the third, Nichols recorded three shots in a span of just 12 seconds before sophomore
Evelyn Linehan found the back of the cage in the 50
th minute to extend the lead to 3-0, also unassisted.
On the night, Nichols outshot Fitchburg State, 19-9, including a 10-7 advantage in shots on goal, while also holding a 9-2 edge in penalty corners. Senior goalkeeper
Fallyn Belisle turned away all six shots she faced to earn the shutout, while
Katherine Hearn also recorded a defensive save late in the third quarter to preserve the Bison lead.
Field hockey will turn its attention to this upcoming Saturday when they host Wheaton College () for a 1:00 PM matinee at Vendetti Field.
