FITCHBURG, Mass. (9/8/2026) - The Nichols College women's soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw against Fitchburg State University Tuesday afternoon at Elliot Field. After falling behind late in the second half, the Bison responded less than eight minutes later as Summer Bruno scored her first goal of the season to pull Nichols level.
With the draw, Nichols' record becomes 0-2-1, as Fitchburg State University's record changes to 0-1-2.
Nichols controlled the majority of the offensive play throughout the afternoon, out shooting the Falcons 25-13 and putting 16 shots on target. Fitchburg State finished with six shots on frame.
The Bison came out aggressively in the opening half, recording nine shots compared to six for the Falcons. Jordan Hendricks put three first-half shots on goal, while Serephine Jodoin added two attempts on frame. Nichols goalkeeper Emily Dougenik kept Fitchburg State scoreless, making a late first-half save on Julia Ferrandino.
Nichols continued to create chances after halftime, with Megan Tucker, Jodoin, Madison Dembowski, and Maggi Cullivan all recording shots during the second half. Despite the Bison's pressure, Fitchburg State broke through in the 70th minute when Autumn Dwyer scored an unassisted goal at 69:18 to give the Falcons a 1-0 lead.
The deficit would not last long. Just 7:40 later, Bruno found the back of the net at 76:58 to even the match at 1-1. The goal marked Bruno's first of the 2026 campaign and the second of her career.
The Bison pushed for the go-ahead goal in the final 13 minutes, recording four shots on target between the 82nd and 87th minutes. Fitchburg State goalkeeper Madison Dawkins stood tall, however, making saves on attempts from Hendricks, Cullivan, Juliana Brimecombe, and Tucker to preserve the draw.
Jodoin and Hendricks led Nichols with five shots apiece, with Jodoin putting four on target and Hendricks three. Tucker added four shots, including three on frame.
In goal, Dougenik finished with four saves, while Dawkins recorded 12 saves for the Falcons.
The Bison return to action Saturday, September 12th, when they travel to Western New England University for a noon non-conference match up at Suprenant Field.
