THIBODAUX, La. – Redshirt senior
Kirstie Champagne made the most of Senior Day as she followed her penalty kick to score the game-winner in a thrilling 1-0 overtime match Sunday against Northwestern State at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.
The Houma native ensured a win-and-in situation for a berth in the Southland Conference Tournament as the Colonels are currently tied with Texas A&M – Corpus Christi with 10 points and own the head-to-head tiebreaker.
"How fitting that Kirstie stepped up to take the penalty kick for us today," Nicholls head coach
Mac McBride said. "A senior scoring the winning goal in overtime on Senior Day. Who writes that script?"
The penalty kick was set up in the 95th minute when a handball was called, prompting a red card for the Lady Demons Esdeina Gonzalez after a mild disagreement.
Nicholls recorded 15 shots, including six on goal, with Champagne leading the pack with five and two on target. Sophomore keeper
Roosa Hurmerinta was active in goal, denying 10 shots. The Lady Demons (5-12, 1-9 SLC) actually produced more opportunities, finding 18 attempts.
"It was an emotional game – with a below par performance – but a huge result for us and all five seniors walked off the field winners on their Senior Day," McBride said. "Hopefully, we can be helped over the line by a partisan home crowd on Friday."
The Colonels wrap up their regular season against Southeastern on Friday tentatively scheduled at 4 p.m.; however, the match administrators are working on moving it to 3 p.m. due to darkness concerns.
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