Nichols College Athletics

DUDLEY, Mass. (9/30/2026) - The Nichols College women's soccer team battled the University of New England (UNE) on Wednesday afternoon but ultimately fell to the Nor'Easters, 2-0, in Conference of New England (CNE) action at Nichols Soccer Field.

With the loss, Nichols drops to 1-8-1 on the season, 0-3 in the CNE. UNE improves to 6-3 for their season, with a conference record of 3-0.

The Nor'Easters controlled much of the opening half, putting 18 shots toward the Nichols goal while holding the Bison without a shot. Nichols goalkeeper Elizabeth Johnson kept the contest scoreless early, making several saves before UNE broke through in the 29th minute.

Lexy Brodeur put the Nor'Easters ahead at the 28:31 mark, finishing a feed from Marah Walton to give UNE a 1-0 advantage. Johnson continued to keep Nichols within striking distance, recording four saves during the opening 45 minutes.

Nichols came out with greater offensive pressure after halftime, recording all six of its shots in the second half. Megan Tucker paced the Bison attack with two shots, including Nichols' lone shot on goal, while Summer Bruno also registered two attempts. Rylyn McInnis and Alyssa Senecal each added one shot.

The Bison's defensive unit was anchored by Johnson, McGuire Avitable, Gianna Masciadrelli and Senecal, who each played all 90 minutes. Johnson turned aside seven of UNE's nine shots on goal, finishing the afternoon with seven saves.

UNE added an insurance goal in the 78th minute when Walton scored her first goal of the season off an assist from Lily Carreiro, pushing the Nor'Easters' lead to 2-0.

Nichols continued to compete through the final whistle, earning three corner kicks in the second half and holding UNE without another goal. The Nor'Easters finished with a 27-6 advantage in shots and an 8-3 edge in corner kicks, while Nichols goalkeeper Johnson's seven saves marked a strong individual performance despite the result.

The Bison return to action Friday, Oct. 2, when they travel to Curry College for another CNE matchup at 4:00 PM.