Final Stats STARKVILLE, Miss. – The Nicholls State University women's soccer team fell behind early on a muggy Friday night in Starkville and the Colonels were never able to claw their way back, falling 4-0 to Mississippi State in an extremely physical match.
 
The Bulldogs (1-4) found the goal just nine minutes into the contest, when a header from Kayleigh Henry found Mallory Eubanks for her first goal of the season. Just seven minutes later, Eubanks fired a shot that was blocked by Nicholls (1-2-1), but Kiley Martens corralled the rebound and found the back of the net for her second goal of the year, to give Mississippi State a 2-0 advantage.
 
The Colonels tightened their defense over the remaining 29 minutes of the first period, but were unable to create any offense, taking their two-goal deficit into the break.
 
The Bulldogs paired a little luck with their athletic skill in the second half when an errant pass from Lauryn Bruffett inadvertently snuck into the top left corner of the net, pushing the Mississippi State lead to 3-0. The goal was the first of Bruffett's collegiate career.
 
With just five minutes remaining in the contest, Carly English curved a 30-yard pass from right to left and found Payton Gruenewald, who finished it off for the final score of the night.
 
The Bulldogs held Nicholls in check offensively, maintaining possession of the ball for the vast majority of the contest, and the Colonels were unable to take advantage of their limited offensive opportunities across midfield. Mississippi State outshot Nicholls 19-0 on the night, and finished with 10 shots on goal.
 
Amanda Boylson got the start for the Colonels in the net, earning six saves and surrendering three goals. After a series of physical plays near the net, Haley Golden replaced Boylson with eight minutes remaining in the game.
 
Goalkeeper Tanya De Souza saw the first 73 minutes of action on Friday, giving way to Rhylee DeCrane for the final 17.
 
Nicholls will travel to Ruston for a matchup with Louisiana Tech on Sunday at 1 p.m.
 
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.