DUDLEY, Mass. -- Two first-half goals proved to be just enough for Nichols College in a 2-1 decision over the University of New England as the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) regular-season came to a close Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 24) at the NC Soccer Field.

The Bison (7-8-2) secure a playoff spot with the result, improving to 3-6 in CCC action, while the Nor'easters (4-14) dip back to 3-6 in league matches. With NC gaining the head-to-head result, UNE will be the No.8 seed in the upcoming championship and head for top-seeded Endicott College in the quarterfinals on Saturday. Interactive Bracket

A 19th-minute header by Paul Sickinger and 32nd-minute marker by Ryan Banker put the hosts ahead. Nichols tallied a 9-4 advantage in shot attempts during the initial period.

The Nor'easters upped the pressure following halftime, totaling an 11-8 edge in shots, and split the deficit in the 77th minute when Caleb DeMello scored off a feed from Chris Hartin.

UNE nearly knotted things up in the waning minutes, but a try from DeMello was cleared off the line by a defender.

Patrick Porpora recorded three saves for the Bison. Guarding the Nor'easters' cage, Nathan Delesdernier posted eight stops.

Saturday's date with Endicott comes just seven days after UNE handed the Gulls their only conference setback of the season (6-1-2).

(updated: 10/25/17 12:05 AM)