IRVINE, Calif. - The Nicholls State University women's soccer team pushed across its second goal of the season on a free kick by Rami Mitchell, but it would be the lone goal for the Colonels as UC Irvine cruised to a 5-1 victory Tuesday night in Anteater Stadium.

UCI (2-1-1) struck early with a goal in the second minute before Mitchell blasted a free kick from just outside the box for her first career goal, tying the match at 1-1. The Anteaters countered on a penalty kick for a 2-1 lead at the half, then put the match away with three second-half goals.

Nicholls was limited to three shots in the loss, getting one each from Avery Mondoux and Lillie Mazur. Reagan Carter had a busy night in the net, totaling five saves and five goals allowed as UC Irvine fired off 22 shots. California native Elizabeth Zepeda saw her first action at goalkeeper, finishing with three saves in 11 minutes. 

UC Irvine needed just 90 seconds to take a 1-0 lead thanks to Desiree Mendoza's second goal of the season. In the fifteenth minute, Mitchell was fouled right in front of the box and snuck the free kick just inside the right post.

GOOOOOOOAL!!!!

Rami Mitchell!!! First career goal. Tied at 1-1! #geauxcolonels pic.twitter.com/myg47g3HR7

— Nicholls Soccer (@Nicholls_SOC) August 31, 2022

The Anteaters regained the advantage on a penalty kick off the foot of Tati Fung. In the second half, Destinee Manzo, Lilli Rask, and Alex Jaquez all scored goals for UCI. 

UP NEXT
Nicholls heads back to Louisiana to began a three-match home stretch, starting Sunday against Jackson State. Kickoff at the Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex is scheduled for noon.