THIBODAUX, La. – Playing at home for the first time in over a month, the Nicholls State University women's soccer team was downed by Northwestern State University 2-1 on Friday night at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.
 
The Colonels (7-6, 3-3 SLC) fell behind early in the game, fought back to pull within one, but were unable to overcome an extremely physical Demon squad. With the win, Northwestern State (4-11, 1-6-1 SLC) earned its first Southland Conference victory of the season.
 
The Demons drew first blood in the 21^st minute when Peyton Rector launched a long pass to Camila Ardila who fired a shot into the bottom right of the net. In the 41^st minute, Cassandra Briscoe sent a pass from three-quarters of the field out, finding Cache Haley who chipped the ball passed a diving Haley Golden. Golden, who was injured on play, finished the half but would not return in the second.
 
The Colonels answered with a goal of their own in the 42^nd minute, cutting the lead in half. Sarah Tani and Kristy Tatom were substituted into the game, and made an instant impact. Tani sent a pass from right to left across the field, finding Tatom for the score.
 
Tatom led the way offensively, scoring the lone goal for Nicholls. Tani assisted on the score. Spencer Valdespino had a team-high four shots.
 
Ardila and Haley each scored for the Demons, while Briscoe and Recor assisted on the scores. Adrila had a team-leading four shots.
 
Golden and Mosley split goalkeeping duties for the Colonels, facing 17 shots and combining for eight saves with two goals allowed.
 
Alex Latham took the net for Northwestern State, facing 17 shots and registering 10 saves with 1 goal allowed.
 
The Colonels will host Stephen F. Austin on Saturday, before taking on Houston Baptist at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24.
 
Visit geauxcolonels.com to find live stats and the most up-to-date information on Nicholls women's soccer.