THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's soccer team earned a 2-0 shutout victory over the University of Central Arkansas at the Nicholls Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon.
 
In the final home match for seven Nicholls seniors, the Colonels (8-8, 4-5 SLC) defeated the Sugar Bears (5-10-2, 1-7-1 SLC) and moved one step closer to earning a Southland Conference Tournament spot. With the win, Nicholls advanced from 8^th to 6^th place in the standings.
 
After pregame recognition of seniors and their family members, the Colonels road their emotions to two early scores.
 
In the 1^st minute, Ainsley Pratt found Jess Coates who fired a curving shot that snuck under the post and hit the top right of the net for the first goal of the match.
 
Less than six minutes later, Kristy Tatom sent a pass to Coates, who found Lauren O'Brien for the score. O'Brien's shot from left to right slid just under a diving Anna Hughes.
 
Despite a combined 16 shots in the second period, neither team would find the net for the remainder of the contest.
 
Coates accounted for both Colonel scores, earning a goal and an assist on the afternoon. O'Brien registered a goal and Kristy Tatom an assist in the final home game of their careers.
 
Alex Wurst, Brooke Ballard and Chele Naudin each had two shots for the Sugar Bears.
 
Taylor Mosley led a stifling defensive team effort for Nicholls, facing 12 shots and earning seven saves.
 
Hughes finished with eight saves and two goals allowed on 18 shots.
 
All seven Colonel seniors started the match.
 
Nicholls will face Southeastern Louisiana University at 4 p.m. on Friday in Hammond and Sam Houston State University at 1 p.m. on Sunday in Huntsville, Texas for the final to games of the season.
 
Visit geauxcolonels.com to find live stats and the most up-to-date information on Nicholls women's soccer.