Final Stats LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Nicholls State University women's soccer team took an early lead against McNeese State University, but late-goal heroics resulted in a 3-2 loss for the Colonels on Friday night in Lake Charles.
 
Nicholls (4-4) scored just two minutes into the game when Spencer Valdespino sent a pass from Kaylie Daniels to the back of the net from the right side.
 
Only a minute later, the Cowgirls (3-4-1) answered with a goal from Kirsta Steinbeiser, assisted by Savannah LaRicci, and the teams took a 1-1 tie into halftime.
 
McNeese grabbed its first lead after LaRicci ran through the middle and fired a shot passed a diving Taylor Mosley only four minutes into the second half.
 
The Colonels fought back, scoring in the 52^nd minute when Valdespino scored off of a cross from Emily Werenskiold.
 
With less than four minutes remaining, Haley Lyons sent a pass to LaRicci, who made what proved to be the game-winning goal for the Cowgirls.
 
Valdespino, who had a hat trick in last year's 3-0 win over McNeese, led Nicholls with two goals on the night. Werenskiold and Daniels each registered an assist for the Colonels.
 
LaRicci had a dominant night for McNeese, scoring twice and assisting on the remaining Cowgirl goal.
 
Mosley faced 21 shots, with eight saves while allowing three goals on the night.
 
Maggie Marks registered one save on eight shots with two goals allowed for McNeese.
 
Nicholls will return to Thibodaux and look to right the ship in their home opener against Texas A&M Corpus Christi at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
 
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