Sept. 1, 2007

Box Score

THIBODAUX, La. - With the rain posponing the soccer match against Troy on Friday, head coach Cindy Piper wanted to do whatever it took to get her team out on the field. With much better weather for the start of Saturday's contest, both teams took to the field with the hopes of getting the 2007 season off on the right foot.

For 45 minutes, neither team was able to get on the board, although each squad had numerous opportunities to get the ball in the net. It wouldnt be until late in the second period that the Trojans were able to catch the Colonels sleeping on defense and in the 68th minute, Kate Heilich got a shot past Molly Mersereau for the first goal of the game putting the Trojans up 1-0.

With only 10 minutes left in the game, Nicholls player Kaity Mattsson, the Colonels leading scorer from a year ago, broke away through the Trojans defense and scored an unassisted goal in the 80th minute of play.

The 1-1 tie would mean an overtime session for the Colonels and Trojans, but an extra ten minutes of play still wasn't enough to determine a winner. Six minutes into the final overtime period, Ashley Davis found Elena Gaudin in the 116th minute for the game winning goal.

"The kids gave a great effort today, but the field conditions hindered us a little bit," Piper said. "We had a lot of players step up in spots today, and hopefully we can use that tomorrow."

The Colonels outshot the Trojans with 15 shots with 10 shots on goal, four more than Troy in the game. "We came out with a lot of fire, but you have to credit Troy for making the plays at the right time," Piper said.

A few of the Colonel newcomers also saw playing time, with Merserau starting her first collegiate game in goal for Nicholls. Piper believes a game like this will get her newcomers ready for the game against Southern. "The newcomers found a good rhythm early, and hopefully that intensity will continue throughout the season."