THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's soccer team will look to shake off a heartbreaking and controversial 1-0 loss to Lamar in the Colonels' Southland Conference opener, as the squad returns to the friendly confines of the Nicholls Soccer Complex for battles against Abilene Christian (Friday at 4 p.m.) and Incarnate Word (Sunday at 1 p.m.).
 
The Colonels (2-4-1, 0-1 SLC) appeared to be headed to overtime on Friday against the Cardinals, but with only seconds remaining in the match, forward Mari Olastuen chipped a shot towards the Nicholls net for the game-winner. On the play, Savannah Boswell headed the would-be goal away before the ball crossed the goal line and it was subsequently cleared by Hannah Savoie. The referees did not initially rule the shot a goal, allowing play to go on for nearly thirty seconds before reconsidering and awarding the goal and the win to Lamar.
 
The Wildcats (1-6-2, 0-0-1 SLC) are coming off of a draw with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in their league opener. Abilene Christian fell behind, 1-0, at halftime, but scored a goal with just three minutes remaining in the match to force overtime. Neither team scored in the extra periods.
 
The Cardinals of Incarnate Word (2-7, 0-1 SLC) led Houston Baptist, 2-1, with only 12 minutes remaining in their conference-opener, but gave up two late goals, resulting in a 3-2 loss.
 
The Colonels are 0-4 on the road this season and have been outscored 11-1. Nicholls will look to get back on track at home, where the team is 2-0-1, and has outscored opponents 14-2.
 
The Wildcats have struggled in non-conference play and hold an 0-5 record on the road this year. Despite the poor start, Abilene Christian is a more-than-formidable opponent, having faced extremely tough competition that includes Baylor, Arizona, UTSA, North Texas, Texas A&M, TCU and the University of Texas.
 
Incarnate Word's record is similarly deceiving due to the difficulty of its non-conference schedule. The Cardinals have faced UTSA, North Texas, Houston, Baylor and Tulsa.
 
Nicholls boasts a balanced offensive attack this season, with nine different players scoring a goal through seven games. All-Southland First Team selection Spencer Valdespino leads the squad with four goals, while Mie Elvestad, Hannah Savoie and Miranda O'Neil each have two. Nine Colonels have recorded an assist, led by Jess Coates, Werenskiold, Erin Blackwell, Ainsley Pratt and Francesca Curteis, with two apiece.
 
Nicholls has played all three of its goalkeepers this season, with Amanda Boylson (1-3) seeing the most time in the net. Boylson has played 352 minutes, earning 19 saves with six goals allowed. Taylor Mosley (1-1) and Haley Golden (0-0-1) have combined for just under 300 minutes, totaling 12 saves and surrendering seven goals.
 
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.