Nicki Brill nearly netted the would-be game-winning goal in Bates' 1-0 overtime loss at the University of New England on Oct. 9, 2014. (File photo by Phyllis Graber Jensen/Bates College)

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Jackie Dickerson scored less than a minute into overtime to give the University of New England a 1-0 victory over Bates in non-conference women's soccer action at Barbara J. Hazard Field on Thursday evening.

The win was the third straight for the Nor'easters, who improved to 8-2 -- their best start since the 2011 season. Bates dropped its third consecutive outing to dip to 6-5. UNE's triumph snapped an 11-game losing streak versus the Bobcats, with their last win coming in 1995.

After the two teams played 90 minutes of scoreless soccer, the Nor'easters wasted little time in settling the contest. Dickerson stole the ball from a Bates defender deep in the left corner, took several touches along the end line under heavy pressure, then directed a shot on-frame that deflected off Bates first-year goalkeeper Sarah McCarthy (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) and slid inside the near post 0:49 into the extra session. The marker was Dickerson's fifth of the season and her third game-winner.

Each team had a few quality chances to put the ball into the net in regulation. In the 41st minute, Bates senior Nicki Brill (Westport, Conn.) drove a low left-footed shot that UNE keeper Brielle Robinson sprawled to her left to push just wide of the right post. Three minutes into the second half, Becca Murphy almost got the Nor'easters on the scoreboard, but her bid struck the right post. The Bobcats nearly grabbed a goal with 20 seconds remaining in regulation when senior Emily Johnson's (Essex, Vt.) shot sailed just wide left.

Robinson played the first half in goal for UNE and was credited with three saves. Emily Richard saw action the rest of the way and came up with one stop to earn the win and run her record to 4-0.

McCarthy had five saves for the Bobcats, who were outshot, 12-10.

Bates has a bit of a break before returning to action next Wednesday, Oct. 15, when they travel to Husson University for a 7 p.m. match.