DUDLEY, Mass. (1/2/25) – The Nichols College women's basketball team rang in the new year with a program record 39 steals on Thursday, helping them to an 87-66 victory over Dean College in non-conference play at the Nichols Athletic Center.

With the win, Nichols improves to 7-2 (1-2 CNE) overall on the season.

The Bison had a pair of players score in double-figures against the Bulldogs, led by Abrianna Vazquez with 13 points on 5-of-16 (31.3%) shooting, in company with five steals and five assists. Sophomore Rylee Barrieault notched her second consecutive double-figure performance, scoring 12 points on the night, all of which were from three-point range. Junior Adriana Romano controlled the board with a team-high nine rebounds, while classmate Angie Coletti dished out an equally team-high six assists. As a team, Nichols shot 37-of-110 (33.6%) from the field, connected for 57 points off turnovers, and combined for 48 points bench points.

Nichols' 39 steals passes their previous single-game record of 36, which was set against MCLA back on November 15^th, 2023.

The first quarter featured some back-and-forth play between the two sides, with both teams playing to five ties and six lead changes. However, the Bison received a jolt late in the period when Romano tipped in a layup off her own shot, igniting a quick 7-0 run that gave Nichols the lead for the remainder of the contest.

The Bison quickly extended their lead to as many as 17 points in the second quarter, which came at the 2:36 mark on a Barrieault triple. Dean countered with the next four points to make it a 13-point game, but a late layup by freshman Riley Bassett capped off the half to grant Nichols a 50-35 lead at the break.  

In the second half, the Bison continued to pile on points and did not see their advantage dip below double figures, with their lead growing to as many as 30 points early in the fourth quarter on a Juliana Brimecombe layup. The difference would prove too much for Dean to overcome, with Nichols marching on to claim the 21-point victory. 

Nichols hits the road to face Curry College (3-7, 0-3 CNE) for a Conference of New England matinee on Saturday, January 4^th. Tip off is scheduled for Noon at Katz Gymnasium.