LAFAYETTE, La. -- After a suffering a tight loss this past Sunday, the Nicholls State University women's soccer program (2-1-1, 0-0-0 Southland) looks to work back into the win column as their five-match roadtrip continues, trekking west to face in-state foe Louisiana-Lafayette (3-2-1, 0-0-0 Sun Belt) on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. in Lafayette, La. After a rough start to open the year (two losses & a draw), the Ragin' Cajuns have bounced back with a trio of victories, most recently scoring a 2-1 overtime win against Southland member Sam Houston State. Meanwhile, the Colonels have set their sights on maintaining their early-season offensive prowess, sporting a national ranking of third in shots per match (21.50), second in shots-on-goal per match (11.75) and 13th in overall scoring offense (3.00 goals per match).

Individually, senior Blaire Laiche has shined within the Red & Gray's spread-and-shoot system, notching four goals already this season -- ranked 17th nationally in goals per match -- on nine shots-on-goal. Fellow senior Elisabet Gunnthorsdottir has managed to compose two goals herself, posting a team-best .778 shot accuracy -- good for 18th nationally -- behind nine total shots with seven coming on goal.

WHAT: Nicholls at Louisiana-Lafayette
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 11 | 7 p.m.
WHERE: Ragin' Cajuns Soccer/Track Facility | Lafayette, La.
MEDIA: Live Stats | Watch
 

• Danny Free enters his first season leading Nicholls, and currently sports a 2-1-1 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
After battling Louisiana-Lafayette in the midweek match, the Red & Gray continue their roadtrip with a full slate of weekend contests, initially squaring off against Alcorn State on Friday, Sept. 13 in Lornan, Miss. before traveling back south to Baton Rouge, La. to face Southern on Sunday, Sept. 15.

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).