Ackerman's Hat Trick Not Enough as Field Hockey Falls to Nichols

Framingham, Mass. – The Framingham State University field hockey team received a hat trick from senior Meaghann Ackerman (Littleton, Mass.) as the Rams were defeated this afternoon 6-3 by the Nichols College Bison in non-conference action at Maple Street Field.

THE BASICS:

- Score:   Nichols 6, Framingham State 3

- Records: Framingham State (3-12), Nichols College (8-8)

- Location:  Maple Street Field - Framingham, Mass.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Bison got on the board first with just over 13 minutes remaining in the opening half.  Junior Erin Kelley (Dighton, Mass.) sent a pass to sophomore Carlee Tolley (Chatham, Mass.) and Tolley slipped a shot inside the far post for the 1-0 lead.
• The Bison extended their lead at the four minute mark of the first when junior Leundra Marsh (Palmer, Mass.) sent a cross in front of the net that sophomore Lizz McKinnon (Quincy, Mass.) redirected into the back of the cage.
• The Rams cut the deficit in half in the final two minutes of the first as Ackerman tallied her first of the game on a shot from the top of the circle.
• Nichols pushed the lead to 3-1 on an unassisted goal from Erin Jillson (New Salem, Mass.) in the 39^th minute, but the Rams answered five minutes later cutting the deficit back to one.  Ackerman carried the ball into the circle and first a shot from the top.
• The Bison would tally the next three goals of the game pushing the advantage to 6-2 before Ackerman converted a penalty stroke with 1:34 left in the game to reach the final margin.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Freshman Mackenzie Snow paced the Bison with a pair of goals, while Tolley and McKinnon finished with a goal and a helper apiece.
• The Bison held a 19-10 edge in shot for the game and an 11-8 advantage in penalty corners.
• Senior Haley Duggan (Framingham, Mass.) took the loss for the Rams in the cage and made seven saves, while Hannah Seigel earned the win and made three stops.

UP NEXT:

The Rams are back in action on Thursday night when they travel to Fitchburg State for a Little East contest slated to begin at 7 p.m.