THIBODAUX, La. -- Despite a short weather delay and some spotty rain throughout the match, the Nicholls State University women's soccer program (2-0-1, 0-0-0 Southland) put together a dominant performance Sunday afternoon against Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-3-0, 0-0-0 SWAC), surging to a 5-0 victory behind a hat trick from Blaire Laiche and a goal apiece from Hannah Bodron & Cato Hom. For Laiche, the three-goal performance effectively doubles her career total in the category and serves as the first hat trick for the program since Jess Coates' triple-score showing against Southern early in the 2016 campaign.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- Junior transfer Cato Hom closed out the scoring for the Red & Gray with her first-ever collegiate goal, finding the back of the net following a high cross from sophomore Caroline Morton. Conversely, junior Hannah Bodron broke the 0-0 tie early with a well-placed header, serving up the deflection off a soft cross from freshman Karina Gonzalez deep in the Lady Lions' box.
-- Statistically, Nicholls managed to outpace Arkansas-Pine Bluff in every major offensive category, posting an advantage in total shots (19-to-5), shots-on-goal (5-to-1) and corner kicks (6-to-3).
-- Offensively, the Colonels' shoot-and-spread style continues to flourish early in the season, as 10 different shot-takers created scoring opportunities throughout the match. Unsurprisingly, Laiche led the way behind four shots (four on goal) with three finding the back of the net.
-- Outside of Laiche, Gonzalez posted a team second-best three shots while both Hom and freshman Sydney Wallace ranked second in shots-on-goal, picking up two apiece on the day.

UP NEXT
With the three-game home stretch to open the season concluded, the Colonels shift their focus to a four-match roadtrip, beginning with Prairie View A&M on Sunday, Sept. 8 and concluding with the program's conference opener at Lamar on Friday, Sept. 20.

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).