MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - The Salve Regina University field hockey team dropped a 3-0 decision to Nichols College during Senior Night at Gaudet Field on Saturday evening. The loss drops the Seahawks to 7-6 overall and 2-4 in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC), while the Bison improve to 8-6 on the season, including a 4-2 mark during CCC play.

Prior to the game, the Seahawks honored seniors Kelly Burke (Georgetown, Mass.), Helen Bohnenberger (East Falmouth,Mass.), and Emma St. Laurent (Seekonk, Mass.) for all of their contributions to the program.

Sophomore goalie Murphy McCann (Westerly, R.I.) kept Salve Regina in the game with a fine performance in net, making a game-high 15 saves.

The Bison received goals from sophomore Andrea Wilson (Bedford, N.H.), sophomore Rachel Dalrymple (Belvidere, N.J.), and senior Emily Widdison (Greenfield, Mass.), while sophomore Avery Orszulak (Springfield, Mass.) dished-out the game's lone assist. Sophomore Molly Melanson (Simsbury, Conn.) earned the win in net for the Bison, making 12 saves on the evening.

Nichols jumped on the board in the 19th minute of play when Wilson gathered a loose ball in front of the box and slapped a shot passed the SRU goalie to give the Bison a 1-0 edge.

The Bison extended their lead in the 30th minute when Orszulak raced down the right side, drew a Salve Regina defender, and then centered a beautiful pass to Dalrymple who finished for her first goal of the season.

The 2-0 Nichols' lead held up until half, with the Bison holding a 15-6 advantage in shots and a slight 7-6 edge in corners.

The Seahawks dictated play for much of the second half, generating several great scoring opportunities. However, Melanson made several good stops, and on the three occassions the Seahawks' managed to beat her, a Nichols defender was there to make the team save each time.

The Bison finally sealed the 3-0 win in the 69th minute when Widdison delivered a blast from 10 yards out which found the back of the box.

Both teams return to action next Wednesday, with Nichols traveling to face Gordon at 3 p.m., and the Seahawks hosting Western New England at 7 p.m.