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THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University soccer squad is looking to pick up some points this weekend when it hosts UIW Friday at 4 p.m. and Abilene Christian University Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.

"I think that we need to play the best game we've played all season to be able to get a result," said head coach Mac McBride. "We've given 19 players starts this season, which I think is an incredible statistic. So I don't think anybody is going to be scared if they're called upon. Nobody should be overly nervous. We've managed to spread minutes about very well. So even though it's a very young team on paper, actually the vast majority of them have had really significant minutes."

The Colonels (3-5, 0-1 SLC) faced a rising Lamar squad in their conference opener Friday, falling 3-1. Freshman goalkeeper Taylor Benoit totaled 15 saves, the most in a game by a SLC student-athlete since UIW's Sydney Huntsinger in 2015. The Thibodaux native held the Cardinals scoreless for the entire first half, denying nine shots on goal.

Junior midfielder Francesca Curteis tallied a goal in the 68th minute on a give-and-go with senior midfielder Emily Werenskiold. Werenskiold has recorded at least one goal or assist in the last three matches.

Nicholls followed up that promising performance with a 4-0 blanking of Southern on Sunday. The Colonels were lifted by four different goal scorers (Hannah Bodron, Kristy Helmers, Jessica Shelby, Werenskiold) and Benoit's first career clean sheet.

UIW
Friday, Sept. 22 | Nicholls Soccer Complex | 4 p.m.

The Cardinals (1-5, 0-1 SLC) return their top-two point scorers from last season in Sam Batley and Brooke Hanson. That duo and Isabel Gracia account for all three of UIW's goals.

The Cardinals have been shut out in five of six games this season. The team posted its lone win Sept. 10 at New Mexico State by a score of 3-2.

All-Time Record against UIW: 2-3
Last match: L, 0-3 (Sept. 26, 2016)

Abilene Christian
Sunday, Sept. 24 | Nicholls Soccer Complex | 1 p.m.

The Wildcats (3-5, 1-0 SLC) opened their conference slate in thrilling fashion, topping Houston Baptist 2-1 in double overtime. Tied 1-1 in the 106th minute, senior Chloe Fifer knocked in a penalty kick after a foul in the box.

Shay Johnson and Dylan Owens have provided three goals each for ACU, tying for the squad's most.

All-Time Record against ACU: 1-3
Last match: L, 1-2 OT (Sept. 23, 2016)

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