THIBODAUX  – The Nicholls State University softball team will take on Southern Miss on Wednesday at the Colonel Softball Complex for its 2012 season home opener. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.

Nicholls (1-4) began its season last weekend at the Lion Classic, where the Colonels clinched new head coach Angel Santiago's first career victory after defeating Akron, 5-1, on Sunday. On Friday night, Nicholls almost completed a valiant comeback with four runs in the final inning, but came up short, dropping a 9-8 decision.

Reigning Southland Conference Player of the Year Ashley Ray continued where she left off from last season, hitting .538 with three home runs and five RBIs in the opening weekend. Ray carried over her 14-game hitting streak, hitting safely in the first two games before the streak was snapped at a Colonel record 16 games.

Two Colonels in their debuts had strong showings, junior Ashley Bertot and freshman Rachel Moore. Bertot hit leadoff for Nicholls, racking up five hits and four stolen bases. Moore displayed some additional power in the Colonel lineup, hitting two homers while driving in four.

Although the pitching staff struggled as a whole, sophomore Katie Moulder pitched a gem in her first start of the season. After three appearances out of the bullpen, Moulder tossed a complete game against Akron, fanning a career-best seven batters to lead Nicholls to its first victory.

The Golden Eagles enter the matchup with a 2-2 record after hosting the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic over the weekend. Senior Stephanie Shiflet paced USM with a .555 batting average and four stolen bases.

Nicholls leads the all-time series, 37-10; however, the Golden Eagles swept the Colonels last season, winning both matchups.