THIBODAUX, La.  – Haylee Atwell played just 16 minutes for the Nicholls State University women's soccer team, including subbing in for the final 10 and the sophomore delivered the game-winning goal with just five minutes remaining to give Nicholls a huge 1-0 victory over Stephen F. Austin Friday evening at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.
 
With the win, the Colonels improved to 5-6-1 overall and 2-4-1 in conference, increasing their chances to make the postseason with just four matches to go. The victory was also Nicholls' second in the all-time series against SFA (8-4, 5-2) and first in Thibodaux against the Ladyjacks.
 
Roosa Hurmertina had an outstanding game in the net, tallying six saves as SFA fired off 17 shots. The Colonels were held to just five shots in the game, getting two from Atwell off the bench.
 
SFA dominated the first half, out shooting the Colonels 7-0. But in the second half, Nicholls was able to get off three looks before Atwell's late heroics.
 
Atwell subbed into the game at the 79-minute mark and five minutes later, broke away from the SFA defense for an open shot in front of the net. Lillie Elhert saved the first, but Atwell collected the ball, sidestepped Elhert and kicked it in for her third goal of the season.
 
Nicholls will wrap up its home slate on Sunday with Senior Day against Sam Houston State. Before the game, the Colonels will recognize Seniors  Jess Coates, Anna Gourgues, Savannah Boswell, Bethany Hollier, Taylor Mosley, Hannah Savoie and Ainsley Pratt. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.