THIBODAUX, La. – After fighting to a 1-1 draw in regulation, the Nicholls State University women's soccer team scored a golden goal just seconds into overtime, downing Northwestern State, 2-1, to keep their postseason hopes alive.
 
While the 2015 senior class will figuratively pass the torch to the underclassmen at the end of the season, it was a literal pass from senior to freshman on Friday that made the difference on Senior Night. Just 21 seconds into overtime, senior Erin Flores dished a pass to senior Spencer Valdespino, who pushed the ball ahead to freshman Francesca Curteis. Curteis fired a shot past a diving Alex Latham into the back left corner of the net, scoring her first collegiate goal, which proved to be the game-winner, as her teammates stormed the field.
 
The Demons (5-9-2, 2-5-2 SLC) drew first blood, stunning the Colonels (5-9-1, 3-6-0 SLC) with a goal just 57 seconds into the match. Cassandra Briscoe sent a pass from left to right across the middle, finding Esdeina Gonzalez, who chipped a shot past Amanda Boylson for the score.
 
Nicholls wasted no time responding. At the 4:29 mark, a Northwestern State player attempted to play the ball back to Latham, but Valdespino alertly intercepted the wayward pass and finished at the empty net.
 
Both teams had opportunities to break the tie in regulation, but Nicholls was the clear aggressor offensively. The Colonels dominated time of possession and finished with 12 shots, six on goal, compared to only seven shots, four on goal, by the Demons.
 
Valdespino finished the day with six shots, five on goal. Through 15 games this season, she already has more goals (11) than she did in 20 games last year. Flores registered three shots and Hannah Savoie added two on the night. Curteis took just one shot, but that's all she would need to lift the Colonels to victory.
 
Patry Carrion had two shots to lead the Northwestern State offense. No other Demon player turned in a multi-shot outing.
 
Boylson (4-7) picked up the win, earning three saves and allowing one goal.
 
Latham took the loss, surrendering two goals with four saves to her credit.
 
Nicholls will turn its attention to a home match against Central Arkansas at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
 
The Bears (6-9-1, 3-4-1 SLC) opened Southland play by winning three of their first four league matches, but have gone 0-3-1 since that time. Central Arkansas faced Southeastern La. on the road on Friday, but the results of their match were not available at press time.
 
Camille Bassett (seven goals) and Ashley Smith (four goals and four assists) pace the Bears offensively.
 
Goalies Anna Hughes and Lauren Mercuri have combined for a 6-9-1 record, 87 saves and 20 goals surrendered for Central Arkansas this year.
 
Following this weekend's action, Nicholls will close out the regular season at home against the Lions on 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.