Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- The Nichols College Bison took advantage of a prevailing wind to score three times in the first half on their way to a 3-2 The Commonwealth Coast Conference women's soccer victory over the University of New England Nor'easters on Senior Day at Barbara J. Hazard Field.

With their third consecutive victory, the Bison (11-5-1, 6-5-1 TCCC) inch closer to clinching a playoff berth. UNE (11-5, 8-4) lost for just the first time at home this season after taking its first eight at Hazard Field, including seven by shutout. Despite the setback, the Nor'easters are assured an opening-round home playoff game after both Curry College and Salve Regina University lost earlier today.

Junior Chelsea Shaughnessy (Halifax, Mass.) opened the scoring for Nichols just 1:59 into the contest, depositing a high shot under the crossbar from just inside the top of the box. Junior Kaitlyn DiBuono (Auburn, Mass.) was credited with an assist on the play.

Big Blue responded a little more than a minute later when first-year Morgan Jensen (New Hartford, Conn.) directed a shot on goal from 30 yards away that struck the crossbar and found its way into the back of the net. Jensen's eighth goal of the season was set-up by first-year Ellie Arsenault (Saco, Maine).

Nichols grabbed the lead for good in the 19th minute after sophomore Samantha Abro (Northborough, Mass.) found first-year Starleena Cash (Springfield, Mass.) with a thru ball. Cash collected the pass, took two touches, and pushed a low shot just inside the right post.

The Bison would add a much-needed insurance goal in the 39th minute when sophomore Kimberly Cummings (Woodbridge, Va.) drilled a shot from 35 yards out.

UNE was unable to take advantage of the wind in the second half until first-year Casey Scott (North Adams, Mass.) collected a rebound and pushed the ball into the net for her first collegiate goal, cutting the Nor'easters' deficit in half in the 77th minute. Scott's tally came after a long-range shot by junior Sarah Homich (Ellsworth, Maine) had connected with the crossbar.

Nichols sophomore goalkeeper Maureen Lynch (Holbrook, Mass.) made six saves, including a point-blank stop in the final minutes to preserve the victory.

Junior Jess Woodworth (Concord, N.H.) made a pair of saves for the Nor'easters, who wrap up their regular season Wednesday with a game versus Eastern Nazarene College. The game is scheduled to kick-off at 4:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Field in Quincy, Mass.

The Bison conclude their regular season that same afternoon when they play host to Curry at 7 p.m.