THIBODAUX - Just seven matches into the 2010 season, the Nicholls State University women's soccer team (5-1-1) has already clinched the best season in the history of the program.  The Colonels will look to keep rolling when they return to action following a 12-day layoff with a trip to Louisiana Tech.

The Colonels have not seen action since Sept. 11 when Nicholls picked up it's school record fifth win of the season with a 1-0 victory at Mississippi Valley State.  The Colonels' win over the Devillettes marked the first victory in four matches against MVSU in school history.

Nicholls heads into Friday's match boasting one of the top scoring threats in the nation.  Senior forward Kaity Mattsson ranks in the top ten in the nation in three major offensive categories, and remains just outside the top ten in a fourth.

The Bracebridge, Ontario, native is tied for third in the nation in points per game average (2.57) and goals per game average (1.14) while ranking seventh in total goals (8) and tying for 11th with 18.0 points.  As a team, Nicholls ranks 30th in the nation with a 2.43 goal per game average heading into the La Tech match. 

However, the Colonels will have their work cut out for them if they want to keep their hot start going.  La Tech has started the 2010 season strong, opening to the tune of a 9-2 record.

Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. on Friday in Ruston.  Friday's match at La Tech concludes a season-opening stretch of eight consecutive games played away from Nicholls to open the season.  The Colonels hosted a Sept. 3 match vs. Jackson State at Pan American Stadium in City Park - New Orleans, but Sunday's match against Grambling will be their first regular season match on campus.

Nicholls match against Grambling will be part of Colonel soccer's alumni weekend.  The Colonels will welcome back former members of both the men's and women's soccer teams on Saturday for their second annual alumni games.

Kickoff for Sunday's match against Grambling is set for 1 p.m.  Saturday's alumni contests are set to begin at 2 p.m. at the Nicholls soccer field.