THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's soccer team will head to Texas for dates with two of the top teams in the Southland Conference this weekend. In their final road trip of the regular season, the Colonels will battle No. 1 Stephen F. Austin (Friday at 7 p.m.) and No. 3 Sam Houston (Sunday at 1 p.m.) as Nicholls looks to make a late push towards a postseason berth.
The Colonels (3-8-1, 1-5-0 SLC) have fought through the most injury-plagued season in program history and are coming off of a difficult loss against McNeese last weekend. Nicholls held a 2-1 lead over the Cowgirls before McNeese stole the victory with two late goals.
Despite a challenging start to the season, the Colonels are only a game and a half behind Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who currently holds the final spot at the SLC Tournament. With all five of Nicholls' remaining opponents leading in the polls, and the Colonels' final three regular-season matches at home, the team controls its own destiny.
The undefeated Ladyjacks (5-6-2, 4-0-2 SLC) faced some of the top competition in the country over their non-conference schedule and emerged battle-tested, steamrolling through Southland competition through their first six league matches. Stephen F. Austin is coming off of a 1-1 double-overtime draw against Central Arkansas on Friday, and remains the only undefeated team in the Southland.
The Bearkats (7-5-1, 4-2-0 SLC) are coming off of a 2-1 double-overtime loss to Northwestern State, but have performed well in league play overall.
Nicholls senior forward
Spencer Valdespino leads the SLC in shots (53) and shots per game (4.42), and is second in points per game (1.42). She also ranks third in goals (eight), goals per game (0.67) and points (17).
Jess Coates,
Emily Werenskiold,
Erin Blackwell,
Ainsley Pratt and
Francesca Curteis each have two assists apiece for the Colonels.
Katherine Kelly spearheads the Nicholls defense and goalkeeper
Amanda Boylson (2-7) has earned 59 saves while surrendering 26 goals this year.
Amanda Doyle (five goals) and Hannah Barker (two assists) lead the Ladyjacks offensively. Lillie Ehlert (5-5-2) has recorded 69 saves in the net while allowing just 16 goals on the year.
Mariah Titus (five goals and two assists) and Allie Johnson (four goals and one assist) spearhead the Bearkats' offensive attack. Goalie Kylie Hambleton (4-5-1) has earned 55 saves and held opponents to 13 goals this season.
Following this weekend's action Nicholls will close out the regular season with home matches against Northwestern State (Friday, Oct. 23 at 4 p.m.), Central Arkansas (Sunday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m.) and Southeastern La. (Friday, Oct. 30 at 4 p.m.).
Admission to all home soccer games is absolutely free! Come out and support your Colonels!
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls soccer visit geauxcolonels.com.
