The Middlebury field hockey team (16-0) shutout Bates 4-0, extending its home winning streak to 43 victories on Kohn Field on Saturday in a NESCAC Quarterfinal. Erin Nicholas scored twice during the triumph, moving into fifth on the school's all-time list with 142 career points. The Panthers advance to the NESCAC Semifinals for the 10th straight time and are back in action next weekend when they host the rest of the conference tournament. Middlebury takes on fourth-seeded Trinity at 11:00 a.m., while second-seeded Tufts and third-seeded Bowdoin play at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. 

The Panthers had a great chance to get on the board with just 52 seconds expired. Grace Murphy sent a pass to Isabel Chandler who had her back to Bates' goalie Grace Biddie. Chandler spun around and backhanded a shot on goal, but Caroline Grady was there to make a defensive save for the Bobcats and keep the game scoreless. The hosts took a 1-0 edge at the 2:57 mark when Meg Fearey sent a pass to Nicholas, who turned and tucked the ball inside the right post. 

Middlebury had possession in its offensive end for almost the entire second quarter, but a strong Bates defense did not allow the Panthers to get a shot off as the hosts headed into the break with a one-goal lead. 
With a player down, Middlebury made it 2-0 at the 34:49 mark after a penalty corner. Joan Vera sent a pass to Nicholas, who Nicholas slipped the ball past Grady for her team-leading 19th tally of the season. Just 19 seconds later, Bates looked to get on the board when Molly Harmon carried the ball down the right side and sent a cross across the circle, but there was no one there to tap it in. 

The Panthers increased their lead to 3-0 with 48:32 expired. An initial shot by Audrey Lazar was denied by Grady, before Chandler one-timed the rebound into the back of the cage for her eighth marker of the year. Middlebury scored the final goal of the game at the 50:15 mark when Lazar tipped the ball in after a scramble in front of the cage. Bates had back-to-back shots in the final four minutes of play, but were unable to score as the Panthers held on to the 4-0 final. 

Middlebury held an advantage in shots (14-4) and penalty corners (7-1). Grace Harlan earned her fourth shutout of the season, while Grady made three stops in goal for the Bobcats.