THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State University midfielder
Alyssa Wheeler gave the Colonels a brief 1-0 lead in the first half of their contest against Southern Miss on Thursday night but the Golden Eagles quickly responded before netting the lone goal in the second half as Nicholls fell 2-1 at the Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex.
Wheeler picked up a loose ball in the middle of the field and fired her team-high fifth goal of the season past the Golden Eagles' goalkeeper to give Nicholls (2-3-3) a 1-0 lead 27 minutes into the match.
The Red & Gray advantage lasted 10 seconds as USM's Ava Bynes tied the game with a goal off and assist from Maiko Kikuchi. Before the break, Wheeler nearly gave Nicholls the lead off a free kick but her shot hit the crossbar. In the second half, the teams battled for 10 minutes before the Golden Eagles took the lead on goal by Olivia Tribolet.
The contest was back and forth with both teams combining for 28 shots and eight corners. Nicholls offense forced goalkeeper Logan Mcgruder to make six saves as they generated 17 shots. Forward
Jezlyn Nelson led the Colonels with six shots followed by Wheeler who took five.
Angelina Rispone and
Kaylie Harris took two shots apiece. USM took 11 shots as goalkeeper
Aislinn Wright tallied one save.
The match was physical as USM committed 11 fouls while the Colonels had six. The Red & Gray also received one yellow card in the 59th minute.
Up Next
Nicholls will cross state lines to begin Southland Conference play against HCU on Thursday, Sept. 17. The action from Houston, Texas is scheduled for 7 p.m.
