Nichols Takes Down Fitchburg State, 3-0

Clinton becomes Nichols all-time career points leader with two makers in contest 

DUDLEY, Mass. (October 14, 2010) – The Fitchburg State field hockey team suffered is fifth loss of the season, falling to Nichols College, 3-0 this evening at Michael J. Vendetti Field.

ABBIE BROWN

Senior Eileen Clinton (Londonderry, N.H./Londonderry) led the Bison to their 11th victory of the season, netting two goals and breaking the Nichols College career points mark. Clinton entered the contest with 113 career points, just two shy of previous record holder Sara Bailey '10.

In the first half, Nichols got on the board early off a corner set when sophomore Barbara Roy (Springfield, Mass./Springfield) passed across the net front to MaryKate Frodema (Springfield, Mass./Springfield) for a one-timer in the 13th minute. The Bison maintained control of the opening half, outshooting the Falcons, 12-0, but keeper Abbie Brown (Westwood, Mass./Westwood) came up with six saves to keep the game in check, 1-0, at the break.

In the second half, Clinton took over, giving the Bison a 3-0 cushion with a pair of markers. Sophomore Emily Widdison (Greenfield, Mass./Greenfield) connected with Clinton first, feeding her the ball right in front of the net for a score just 12 minutes into the period. Clinton later capped the scoring, netting a penalty stroke just five minutes later.

Brown finished the match with seven saves and three goals allowed before giving way to freshman Rachel Mays (Somerset, Mass./Somerset) who was not tested through the rest of the game. Nichols starter Krista-Jean Forand (Plymouth, Mass./Plymouth North) played the first 64 minutes before bowing out to Emily Cornacchio (Salem, Mass./Salem), who made one stop in the remainder of the contest.

Fitchburg State (7-5, 4-3 LEC) will be in action again on Saturday as it hosts Plymouth State University at 10 a.m. Nichols (11-3, 6-0 TCCC) will visit New England College on Saturday at 1 p.m.

CLICK HERE FOR BOX SCORE & PLAY-BY-PLAY

Nichols 3, Fitchburg State 0

Scoring:
1st Half: NIC: Mary Kate Frodema (Barbara Roy), 13:03;
2nd Half: NIC: Eileen Clinton (Emily Widdison), 47:15; NIC: Clinton, 52:52;
Goalkeeping: FIT: Abbie Brown (52:52), seven saves; Rachel Mays (17:08), no saves; NIC: Krista Jean-Forand (63:35), no saves; Emily Cornacchio (6:25), one save;
Shots: FIT: 4; NIC: 16