NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- The Nicholls State University women's soccer program (3-9-1, 0-6-0 Southland) closes out the team's away schedule with back-to-back matchups this weekend, initially traveling to East Texas for a battle with Stephen F. Austin (5-8-0, 2-4-0 Southland) on Friday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. before heading south to face off against Sam Houston State (5-7-1, 3-2-1 Southland) on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.

The Ladyjacks return to Nacogdoches, Texas after a three-match roadtrip, managing a 1-2 record during that span with the lone win coming over Central Arkansas and the pair of losses due to the league's top two teams, Lamar & McNeese. Meanwhile, the Bearkats enter the weekend on a major high note after knocking off the Southland's only remaining unbeaten squad -- McNeese -- this past Sunday, downing the Cowgirls by a 3-2 margin. As for the Colonels, the Red & Gray continue searching for their first win in conference play after nearly pulling off a road victory two weeks ago at HBU, faltering to the Huskies by just one goal.

WHAT: Nicholls at Stephen F. Austin
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 18 | 7 p.m.
WHERE: SFA Soccer Stadium | Nacogdoches, Texas
MEDIA: Live Stats | Watch

WHAT: Nicholls at Sam Houston State
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 20 | 1 p.m.
WHERE: Pritchett Field | Huntsville, Texas
MEDIA: Live Stats
 

• Danny Free enters his first season leading Nicholls, and currently sports a 3-9-1 (0-6-0) overall record with the Red & Gray.
• The team boasts six seniors: GK Roosa Hurmerinta, D Jeanne Harson, F/MF Tessa Calabria, MF Elisabet Gunnthorsdottir, F/MF Blaire Laiche & F Kristy Helmers.
• This year's roster is highlighted by nine newcomers, as junior F Cato Hom joined the program as a junior college transfer while freshmen MF Alicia Carlos, MF Lara Treuheit, D Caryn Bonadona, D Karina Gonzalez, F Sydney Wallace, MF Tabea Czech, F/MF Makena Terrell & F Maegan Terrell signed on directly from high school.
• This season's depth chart features 11 players from across the state of Louisiana, five from Texas, a pair from Australia, another two from Germany and one from each of the following: Iceland, Finland & the Netherlands.
• The Colonels were projected to finish 12th in the Southland Conference, per the league's preseason poll.
• Nicholls returns six of last season's 11 starters, including seniors GK Roosa Hurmerinta, MF Elisabet Gunnthorsdottir, MF/D Blaire Laiche & D Jeanne Harson along with junior MF Hannah Bodron and sophomore D Caroline Morton. 

UP NEXT
With the road schedule completed for the season, the Colonels return to Thibodaux, La. for their three final matches, battling Northwestern State & Central Arkansas next weekend (Oct. 25 - Oct. 27) before closing out the year with Senior Day against Southeastern Louisiana on Friday, Nov. 1.

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).