THIBODAUX, La. -- The Nicholls State University women's soccer program (3-5-1, 0-2-0 Southland) faltered in the squad's Southland Conference home opener against Abilene Christian (6-2-1, 2-0-0 Southland), dropping an eventual 8-0 contest to an experienced Wildcats team -- voted league preseason No. 1 -- on Friday evening at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- Following a strong showing by both squads to open first 20 minutes of the contest, ACU managed to clip off four goals in just over eight minutes of play, surging to a quick lead while containing the Colonels to just two total shots. The second half proved consistent with the first, as the Wildcats grabbed another four scores en route to a notable statistical advantage in terms of overall shots (36-to-4), shots-on-goal (22-to-2) and corner kicks (5-to-0).
-- Offensively, a usually aggressive unit struggled to breach Abilene Christian's tough backline, as senior Blaire Laiche only managed to slip by for three total shots with one coming on goal. Fellow senior Tessa Calabria found some space late in the second half, posting the Red & Gray's other shot-on-goal.
-- Redshirt junior Jade Gallaher received her third start between the posts this season, allowing a combined eight goals while notching a career-high 14 total saves.

UP NEXT
With Friday's match against ACU completed, the Colonels turn their attention to the weekend's second visitor: UIW, squaring off with the Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.

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).