NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--The Smith College field hockey team (0-0) gets the 2012 season going with a visit to Nichols College (1-0) on September 4 at 7 p.m.  It's the first of three straight games away from home to begin the season for Smith.


Last Meeting:  The Bison rolled to an 8-2 win over Smith on September 6, 2011.

Last Smith Win: September 9, 2008.  Smith 5, Nichols 4 (OT).  Then a first year, Phoebe Hopkins scored twice and set up another goal as Smith forced overtime with just 1:13 left in the game.  Natalie Wickles scored the sudden death winner after 6:20 of the extra period was played. 

Smith Overview: Returning 15 players, Smith has experience and depth in abundance. 

Nichols Overview: The Bison staved off a comeback attempt to notch a 4-3 win over Thomas College on September 1.  Nichols allowed Thomas the first goal of the game 1:15 into the contest, but rattled off the next four for a 4-1 lead.  Thomas scored twice in the final nine minutes, but could not find the tying goal. 

Smith Player to Watch: Junior co-captain Allie Stein (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) was voted to the 2nd team All-NEWMAC conference a year ago for her 18 goal, eight assist season.  She will lead the attack for the Pioneers this season.

Nichols Player to Watch:  Emily Widdison scored twice and set up another goal for Nichols in the win over Thomas.

Did you know? This is the fourth straight year Smith has opened the season against Nichols College.


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