HATTIEBURG, Miss. – The Nicholls State University soccer program dropped its season opener, 3-1, to Southern Miss Friday evening at the Southern Miss Soccer Complex.

The Colonels (0-1) surrendered a goal to Becky McMullan in the fourth minute as she came across the box with a half volley that found the back of the net. Sophomore Kristy Helmers nearly answered with a through ball from junior Francesca Curteis in the eighth minute, but USM (1-0) keeper Kelly Brahmbhatt collected it in the box.

Curteis found her chance in the 23rd minute on a quick build off of a free kick, but Brahmbhatt again halted the opportunity.

Nicholls keeper Roosa Hurmerinta made several impressive saves in the opening half to limit USM to just one score.  

The Golden Eagles, however, found their groove early in the second half, tallying two goals in the first two minutes. McMullan scored for the second time on a 25-yard attempt that struck the top-right corner of the net, pushing USM's advantage to 3-0.

The Colonels first goal of the 2017 season came in the 80th minute when senior Mie Elvestad spun a 27-yarder over the Golden Eagles keeper to make it 3-1. Nicholls was unable to mount a comeback in the final 10 minutes of play.

Four of the Colonels nine shots were on goal, and Hurmerinta finished the match with 10 saves.

Nicholls returns to action Sunday in a 1 p.m. affair against Mississippi Valley State at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.

For the latest news on Nicholls soccer, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_SOC.