THIBODAUX, La. -- Despite battling to a 1-1 halftime score, the Nicholls State University women's soccer program (3-9-1, 0-6-0 Southland) fell in Friday afternoon's league match against rival McNeese (9-3-0, 5-0-0 Southland), faltering by an eventual 5-1 mark to the Cowgirls at the Nicholls Soccer Complex Field in Thibodaux, La.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- After the Cowgirls grabbed the first lead of the contest on a rebound during a corner scuffle, the Red & Gray responded midway through the first half with an arcing shot from senior Elisabeth Gunnthorsdottir, knotting the match at 1-1 behind a 45-yard ace to the left corner of the goal. McNeese managed to break the tie just over a minute into the second period, finding the back on the net on a header, and then sealed the victory with a trio of extra goals across the final half hour of game time.
-- Offensively, Gunnthorsdottir paced the team with three shots -- all on goal -- drilling down a perfect efficiency rating for the day. Fellow senior Jeanne Harson & freshman Lara Treuheit notched the other primary attempts for the Colonels, with Harson's careening off a full extension save from the Cowgirl keeper.
-- Senior Roosa Hurmerinta showcased serious skill between the posts throughout the match, securing 12 saves overall with nine coming in the first half. The Finland native staved off a number of solo attempts by the Cowgirls, and surrendered her first three goals during tough corner situations.

UP NEXT
With the home match against McNeese wrapped up, the Red & Gray turn their attention back to the road, traveling next weekend to Stephen F. Austin & Sam Houston State in back-to-back Southland contests.

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonels Women's Soccer, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_SOC), Instagram (@geauxcolonels) and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Athletics).