THIBODAUX - The Nicholls State University women's soccer team will look to build on the most successful season in school history when the Colonels open the 2011 season on Friday against Spring Hill College at noon at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.

The 2010 season saw the Colonels set a new school record by getting off to the best start in school history, racking up a 6-2-1 record through the first nine matches of the season, setting a new school wins record, and recording the longest winning streak in school history.

The 2010 Colonels also boasted one of the most reliable scoring threats in the nation in the form of Kaity Mattsson.  The Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada native finished the season ranked in the top 30 in the nation in three major offensive categories.   Mattsson's single season school record goal total of 12 ranked 28th in the nation, as did her point/game average of 1.5.  Meanwhile, her goal/game average of 0.67 ranked 13th in the country.

Mattsson concluded her career having set new school records for career goals (33), career points (60), single season goals (12) and single season points (26).  Mattsson led the Colonels in goals scored in each of her four seasons in Thibodaux.

The Colonels hope a strong showing against Spring Hill will lead to another strong start to the season.  The Badgers come into the season-opening contest looking to improve on a 6-11 showing and a 2-3 showing in the NAIA Southern States Athletic Conference in 2010.

Kickoff between the Colonels and Badgers is set for noon at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.  Following the contest, Nicholls will prepare to host in-state rival UL-Monroe match slated for a 1 p.m. kickoff.  The Colonels will be looking for their second consecutive victory over the Warhawks, having recorded a 3-2 overtime win at ULM in 2010.  After the season-opening weekend homestand, the Colonels will embark on a three-match road trip before returning home to play four of their next five matches in Thibodaux between Sept. 11 and Sept. 25.  General admission tickets for all Nicholls soccer games are available for $5 each, and Nicholls students receive free admission with the presentation of a valid Nicholls student ID.