ABILENE, Texas – The Nicholls State University women's soccer team fell 3-0 to Southland Conference newcomer Abilene Christian University on Friday afternoon.
 
The Colonels (5-5,1-2 SLC) fell behind early and could not overcome an offensive barrage and stifling defensive effort from the Wildcats' (5-6, 2-1 SLC).
 
ACU scored in the 26^th minute as Baylee Mitchell found a rebound and fired a shot passed Taylor Mosley for the first goal of the contest. Chloe Fifer was credited with an assist on the play. Nicholls managed just two shots in the entire period, with neither finding the net, and allowed the Wildcats to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
 
Both teams changed goalkeepers at the break with Sydney Newton relieving Kelsey Dombrowski and Josie Stiles taking the field in relief of Mosley.
 
In the 59^th minute, a free kick from Leslie Snider was deflected by a Colonel defender and Lindsey Jones fired the rebound past Stiles. Maria Gomez scored the final goal of the match in the 81^st minute, dashing any hopes of a last-minute comeback.
 
Kaylie Daniels, Lauren O'Brien, Jess Coates and Sarah Tani each registered two shots with one on goal.
 
Jones led the Wildcats offensively with a goal and an assist on the day.
 
Mosley and Stiles combined for five saves with three goals allowed.
 
In the net for ACU, Newton and Dombrowski totaled four saves in the shutout victory.
 
Nicholls was without its leading scorer and last year's Southland Conference Player of the Year, Spencer Valdespino, who did not suit up due to undisclosed medical reasons.
 
The Colonels will travel to San Antonio to take on another Southland Conference newcomer, the University of the Incarnate Word on Sunday at 1 p.m.
 
Visit geauxcolonels.com to find live stats and the most up-to-date information on Nicholls women's soccer.