Final Stats THIBODAUX, La. – At the 24-minute mark, forward Spencer Valdespino ran down the sideline after scoring her second goal, high-fiving a few of the hundreds of fans who turned out for the Nicholls State University women's soccer team's Red Out home opener on Friday. Holding a 2-0 lead, the Colonels appeared to be well on their way to a victory over Southern Miss, but the Golden Eagles stormed back in the second period, sending the game into double-overtime, where the game eventually ended in a 2-2 tie.
 
Nicholls came out aggressive, outshooting Southern Miss 6-2 in the opening frame. Jess Coates was the catalyst for the Colonel offense, assisting on both of Valdespino's goals.
 
The first score came at the 20-minute mark as Valdespino received the ball and fired a shot over the outstretched arm of diving Golden Eagle goalkeeper Brittany Taylor. On her second goal, Valdespino took a pass from Coates and immediately made a crossover move. Taylor fell for Valdespino's fake shot attempt, diving to the ground as Valdespino slowly rolled the ball into a vacant net.
 
Both teams went scoreless for the remainder of the half.
 
In the second period, Southern Miss cut the lead in half with a goal in the 51^st minute. Only six minutes later, a line drive shot from Asia Ribbens sailed from nearly forty yards out into the top corner of the net for the equalizer.
 
The Colonels and Golden Eagles managed just three combined shots over the duration of both overtime periods and the game ended in a draw.
 
Valdespino finished with seven shots, five on goal. Her second score pushed her into a tie for the school record in career goals, with 33. Hannah Savoie and Haylee Atwell finished with three and two shots respectively.
 
Mary Kate Smith paced Southern Miss offensively with two shots and a goal.
 
In the net, making her first start of the season, Haley Golden recorded five saves and allowed two goals.
 
Taylor finished with four saves and surrendered two goals for the Golden Eagles.
 
Nicholls will host Southern on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m., before traveling to Starkville for a matchup with Mississippi State.
 
Admission to all home soccer games is absolutely free! Come out and support your team!
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls soccer visit geauxcolonels.com.