BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The visiting Nichols College field hockey team opened the 2021 season with a 3-0 victory over Bridgewater State University on Wednesday night at rainy Swenson Field.

The Bison (1-0) received first half goals from junior forward Mackenzie Doran (Wolfeboro, N.H.) and freshman defender Ryan Mellor (Lincolndale, N.Y.), while junior forward Abigail Karalus (Dudley, Mass.) capped off the scoring late in the third quarter.

Nichols finished with a decided 16-6 edge in shots as well as a 10-3 advantage in penalty corners.

Freshman goalkeeper Sophia Venable (Troy, N.Y.) turned aside five shots to record her first collegiate shutout for the Bison.

BSU rookie netminder Emily Ronan (North Billerica, Mass.) made nine saves in her collegiate debut.

Sophomore forward Kelly Sharkey (Salisbury, Mass.) paced the Bears' offense with four shots including three on goal.

The Bears (0-1) are off until next Wednesday (Sept. 8) night when they travel to Simmons University for a seven o'clock game with the Sharks. Nichols heads to Smith College on Saturday (Sept. 4) for the semifinal round of the Caryl Newof Classic as the Bison take on the host Pioneers at noon.