Nichols College Athletics

DUDLEY, Mass. (9/4/2026) - The Nichols College women's soccer team continued its 2026 campaign Friday afternoon, welcoming Russell Sage College to Nichols Soccer Field for a non-conference match up. Despite creating several opportunities throughout the 90 minutes, the Bison were unable to find the back of the net as the Gators secured a 2-0 victory.

Nichols came out with early pressure, earning a pair of corner kicks within the opening four minutes. Gianna Masciadrelli registered the Bison's first shot on target in the fifth minute, forcing Russell Sage goalkeeper Hailey Blake to make the first of her four saves on the afternoon.

The Bison continued to generate chances throughout the opening half, with Serephine Jodoin and Madison Dembowski each recording attempts. On the opposite end, Nichols goalkeeper Emily Dougenik kept the Gators off the scoreboard early, turning aside three Russell Sage chances between the 18th and 25th minutes.

Russell Sage broke through in the 32nd minute when Rosalynn Sanchez found the back of the net to give the Gators a 1-0 advantage. Dougenik responded with another save in the 42nd minute, keeping the deficit at one heading into halftime.

Nichols came out aggressively to begin the second half, recording three shots during the opening four minutes. Masciadrelli nearly found the equalizer in the 48th minute, but Blake turned aside the attempt.

The Bison continued to apply pressure as the half progressed. Nichols earned another corner kick in the 54th minute before Masciadrelli registered another shot in the 61st minute. The Bison later created a pair of chances in the 70th minute and earned another corner before Blake denied Masciadrelli for the fourth time in the 72nd minute.

Dougenik remained busy in the second half, making five additional saves to finish the afternoon with nine stops. She kept Nichols within striking distance late, including saves on attempts from Russell Sage's Eva Hirschoff, Emma Stoebling, Mia O'Brien and Julianna Shannon.

Russell Sage added an insurance goal with just 1:32 remaining when Karina Lezama finished a feed from Grace Ahl to make it a 2-0 contest.

Nichols finished the afternoon with a 15-14 advantage in shots and earned four corner kicks compared to none for the Gators. Masciadrelli led the Bison with four shots, including three on target, while Jodoin added two attempts. Dougenik's nine saves marked a strong individual performance between the posts.

The Bison will look to bounce back Tuesday, September 8, when they travel to Fitchburg State University for a 4:00 PM non-conference match up.