BEAUMONT, Texas – The Nicholls State University soccer team fell victim to Lamar University in its Southland Conference opener Friday evening at the LU Soccer Complex by a score of 3-1.

Freshman Taylor Benoit tallied 15 saves, the most by a Southland Conference athlete since Sydney Huntingser of UIW in the 2015 season.

With the loss, the Colonels record falls to (2-5, 0-1 SLC). Lamar (6-2-1, 1-0 SLC) is now 4-0-1 in its last five matches.

Regardless of a scoreless first half and falling behind 3-0 in the second, the Colonels bounced back late. After a Lamar turnover in the 67th minute, junior Francesca Curteis found senior Emily Werenskiold on the left wing to start a counterattack. Werenskiold connected with Curteis in the center of the 18-yard box where she fired the Colonels first goal of the game.

This is the second consecutive game that Werenskiold has recorded an assist. Despite the late rally, it would not be enough to push the Colonels to a victory over the Cardinals.

The Colonels look to bounce back on Sunday against Southern. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. at Jaguar Park.  

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