LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Despite a much-improved offensive attack compared to the season kickoff nine days ago, the Nicholls State University women's soccer program (0-2, 0-1 SLC) failed to overcome a pair of late goals by in-state opponent McNeese (1-1, 1-0 SLC) in both squads' Southland Conference opener, falling to the Cowgirls by a final 2-0 margin Friday afternoon at the Lake Charles Power Center.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- All-in-all, the Red & Gray defensive effort proved stout throughout a majority of the contest, as the high-octane McNeese attack racked up 24 total shots -- 13 on goal -- for the day, yet only found the back of the net on two occasions.
-- Between the pipes, freshman Reagan Carter posted her second consecutive solid outing, garnering seven saves while giving up the two late goals (70' and 78').
-- Offensively, the Colonels showcased a much more aggressive style when opportunities arose, ratcheting up the efficiency behind a six shots-on-goal to seven total shots disparity (85.7 percent). Individually, freshmen MF Koryn Barrett and MF Gabrielle Champagne paced the Red & Gray with two shots apiece, all four of which came on goal, while sophomore D Karina Gonzalez and senior MF Hannah Bodron combined for the other two attempts on goal.
 
UP NEXT
With the Southland kickoff out of the way, the Colonels set their sights back home for another non-conference showdown, hosting in-state foe Louisiana Tech on Sunday, Feb. 14 at Yockey Bernard Field in Thibodaux, La.

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonels Women's Soccer, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_SOC), Instagram (@nicholls_soccer) and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Athletics).