THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's soccer team grabbed an early lead over Abilene Christian at the Nicholls Soccer Complex, but the Wildcats stormed back to take a 4-1 victory and spoil the Colonels' Southland Conference home opener.
Friday's loss to Abilene Christian (2-6-2, 1-0-1 SLC) marked the first time Nicholls (2-5-1, 0-2 SLC) dropped a home match in 336 days.
The Colonels jumped on top in the 17
th minute when
Mie Elvestad launched a shot from nearly 30 yards out that curved over the outstretched arms of a diving Sydney Newton and found the back of the net.
Nicholls maintained their lead until the 41
st minute, when Dylan Owens scored off of a pass from Lindsey Jones.
The teams took a 1-1 tie into the break.
The Colonels appeared to have control the match in the first period, but momentum completely shifted in the second.
Coming out on the attack, the Wildcats broke the tie in the 61
st minute, when Lindsey Jones collected a pass from Sophie Standifer and fired a bullet into the back left corner of the net. Abilene Christian added goals in the 65
th and 88
th minute to pull away.
Spencer Valdespino led Nicholls will four shots, two on goal, and
Emily Werenskiold added two shots on goal.
Jones and Standifer paced the Wildcat offense with a goal and an assist apiece.
Amanda Boylson (1-4, 0-2 SLC) faced 20 shots, recorded 11 saves and surrendered four goals in the loss.
Newton (1-2-1, 1-0-1 SLC) earned the win with eight saves and one goal allowed.
The Colonels will host Incarnate Word (2-7, 0-1 SLC) on Sunday. The Cardinals faced Southeastern La. on Friday, but the result of the game was not available at press time.
Incarnate Word enters Sunday's match with a deceiving record due to the difficulty of its non-conference schedule. The Cardinals have faced UTSA, North Texas, Houston, Baylor and Tulsa.
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.
