LAFAYETTE, La. – The Nicholls State University women's soccer team battled neck-and-neck with Louisiana-Lafayette in their regular-season opener at the Ragin' Cajuns Soccer Facility, but the Colonels were unable to come away with a win, falling 2-0, on Sunday afternoon.
The Red and Grey were outshot 5-0 in the first period, falling behind 1-0 at the break, but came out on the attack in the second period. Nicholls outshot Louisiana-Lafayette 12-7 over the final 45 minutes, including seven shots on goal, but couldn't to find the back of the net.
Just two minutes into the second period, a shot from
Lindsay Gardner struck off the post, only inches from tying the match. In the 52
nd minute, after a scrum in front of the goal,
Spencer Valdespino fired a shot, but Ragin' Cajun goalie Cosette Morche was able to secure the save.
With less than nine minutes remaining, Annika Schmidt chipped a shot just over the head of Nicholls goalie Amanda Boylson to put Louisiana-Lafayette up 2-0.
The Colonels mounted a valiant effort over the remainder of the contest, refusing to yield. Nicholls took three shots in the final two minutes, desperately seeking to find the net. Morche saved a
Hannah Savoie attempt in the 88
th minute,
Jess Coates had a shot blocked in the 89
th minute and with only 30 seconds remaining,
Emily Werenskiold's attempt went wide.
Gardner paced Nicholls offensively with three shots, one on goal. Coates, Werenskiold and
Ainsley Pratt each finished with a pair of attempts. Valdespino had two shots on goal.
Yazmin Montoya facilitated the offensive attack for the Ragin' Cajuns, assisting on both goals.
Boylson finished the day with six saves and two goals allowed.
Morche tallied seven saves in the shutout win.
The Colonels will face Southern Miss for their home opener on Friday, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. before hosting Southern on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m.
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls soccer visit geauxcolonels.com.
