THIBODAUX, La. – Playing in front of a reported 781 fans, the Nicholls State University women's soccer team fought to the final second on Friday night, but their late comeback came up just short, as Southeastern La. escaped with a 2-1 victory at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.
 
The Colonels (6-10-1, 4-7-0 SLC) were in last place in the Southland Conference standings as recently as Oct. 18, but won three-straight matches to put themselves in contention for a tournament spot. Friday's loss effectively ends Nicholls' postseason hopes, despite a remarkable run over the team's final two weeks.
 
The Colonels fell into a hole early on Friday, after scores by Ana Zadro and Gisenia Utreras in the 1^st and 14^th minute.
 
Nicholls punched back, mounting numerous attacks, but each attempt was repelled by goalkeeper Hope Sabadash and the Lion defense. Southeastern La. (11-4-3, 6-3-2 SLC) took a 2-0 lead into the break, despite being outshot by the Colonels, 8-2.
 
Nicholls had a sizeable crowd from the outset, but reinforcements arrived shortly after the start period two. Only minutes into the second frame, football practice let out and a rowdy sea of white arrived, completely changing the momentum of the match.
 
In the 63^rd minute, Spencer Valdespino was fouled, resulting in a penalty kick for the Colonels. Valdespino's penalty kick attempt was true, sending the Nicholls fans into a frenzy.
 
Still trailing by one in the 67^th minute, a header from Hannah Savoie appeared to cross into the net for the equalizer, but no goal was awarded.
 
The Colonels were the clear aggressor over the final 45 minutes of action, outshooting the Lions, 11-3. Despite a valiant effort, Nicholls was unable to tie the match.
 
Valdespino finished with seven shots, four on goal, to lead the Colonel offense. Savoie totaled three shots on goal, while Haylee Atwell, Emily Werenskiold and Ainsley Pratt all contributed two shots on goal. Lindsay Gardner finished with one shot on goal, while Anna Gourges and Miranda O'Neal each took a shot.
 
Zadro and Utreras both finished with two shots on goal to lead the Southeastern La. offense. Vanessa Arzaluz and Maddie Kresevic contributed an assist apiece.
 
Goalkeeper Amanda Boylson (5-8) earned two saves, while allowing two goals.
 
Sabadash (11-4-3) totaled 13 saves, while surrendering just one goal.
 
The 2015 Nicholls soccer senior class of Valdespino, Boylson, Erin Flores, Kaylie Daniels and Haley Golden will be remembered for a number of program records and firsts. They helped to earn the first victories in program history against Southern Miss, Southeastern Louisiana and Northwestern State. The Colonels also reached multiple Southland Conference Tournaments and secured the first postseason soccer win in school history. With 33 wins since 2012, they are the winningest class in program history.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls soccer visit geauxcolonels.com.