THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's soccer team was clearly the better team for the majority of Friday night's match, but defensive miscues over the final minutes allowed McNeese to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, 3-2, at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.
 
The Colonels (3-8-1, 1-5 SLC) came out sluggish and allowed the Cowgirls (5-7, 2-4 SLC) to score a quick goal just two minutes into the match. Nicholls quickly changed course and made a strong push, dominating possessions and firing multiple shots at McNeese goalie Maggie Marks.
 
At the 13-minute mark, Bethany Hollier launched a deep pass from midfield that curved up and over a Cowgirl defender, finding Spencer Valdespino in full sprint. Valdespino juked one defender, causing her to fall, and fired a shot past Marks into the back of the net for the equalizer.
 
Sixteen minutes later, Valdespino took a shot that struck the crossbar. Hannah Savoie alertly collected the rebound and chipped in a follow-up shot to put the Colonels up, 2-1.
 
Nicholls took a one-goal lead into the break.
 
Over the first 35 minutes of the second period the Colonels kept pressure on McNeese with repeated shots. Nicholls looked to be headed toward a second Southland Conference victory, but the Cowgirls had other plans.
 
In the 80^th minute, a foul resulted in a short-range shot opportunity for McNeese only a few yards from the Colonel net. The initial Cowgirl shot attempt ricocheted off of the crossbar, but Kayla Goedicke followed up with a rebound score to tie the match.
 
Still reeling from Goedicke's goal, the Nicholls defense allowed a score by Nola Prickett only four minutes later, giving McNeese a 3-2 advantage that the Cowgirls would not surrender.
 
Valdespino finished with seven shots, four on goal, to lead the Colonel offense.
 
D'Alesandro paced McNeese with three shots, two on goal, and earned two assists.
 
Amanda Boylson (2-7) took the loss, recording two saves, while giving up three goals.
 
Marks earned the win, finishing with four saves and surrendering two goals.
 
The Colonels will head to Texas for dates with Stephen F. Austin (Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.) and Sam Houston (Sunday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m.) next weekend.
 
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.