THIBODAUX, La. -- The Danny Free era of the Nicholls State University women's soccer program (1-0-0, 0-0-0 Southland) kicked off with some offensive force Friday evening against Mississippi Valley State (0-1-0, 0-0-0 SWAC), as the Colonels notched a final 5-0 victory over the Devilettes and started the Red & Gray off on a 1-0 record for the first time since 2016. First-year HC Free and Co. managed to produce a staggering amount of offense on the night as four different goal-scorers emerged for Nicholls, including three key members of the senior class: Elisabet Gunnthorsdottir, Kristy Helmers and Tessa Calabria.

HEADLINES
-- While the offensive showing immediately grabs the attention, a story flying under the radar has been senior GK Roosa Hurmerinta and her defensive backline, a group who held the Devilettes to a shutout on the day and just 10 shots -- five on goal -- in total. Hurmerinta finished the day with five saves while her defense managed to keep the ball outside of nominal attacking range for 85 percent of the match.
-- The Colonels out-performed Mississippi Valley State in nearly every facet of the game, boasting an advantage in total shots (24-to-10), shots-on-goal (12-to-5) and overall possession (64 percent-to-36 percent).
-- Gunnthorsdottir's early goal serves as the senior's first of her collegiate career, as her more offensive role has placed her in position attack opposing defenses and challenge goalkeepers on a consistent basis.

KEY STATISTICS
-- Offensively, the Red & Gray spread the ball around to 12 different shot-takers on the evening with freshman Lara Treuheit leading the way behind a four-shot showing. Meanwhile, seniors Blaire Laiche and Gunnthorsdottir racked up three apiece while five others collected at least two attempts.
-- As for shots-on-goal, Laiche, Gunnthorsdottir and Treuheit were the only student-athletes who managed to reach two for the game while a group of six others each grabbed one.

UP NEXT
After claiming a solid 5-0 victory to open the season Friday evening, the Colonels return to the pitch for a quick rematch against Mississippi Valley State on Saturday, kickoff set for noon at Central Lafourche High School.

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).