THIBODAUX, La. – After beginning Southland Conference play on the road last week, the Nicholls State University women's soccer team will return home to host UIW on Thursday, Sept. 24. Kickoff from Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
Nicholls (2-3-4) began SLC action with a 1-1 draw against Houston Christian last week. The Colonels trailed for most of the match until senior Alyssa Wheeler connected with freshman Gentry Watrous who scored her first career goal to tie the contest with five minutes to go.
 
The Red & Gray offense features 11 players with at least one goal. Wheeler leads the squad with five goals and four assists. Olyvia Pugh, Jezlyn Nelson, and Sammi Doyle has four goals apiece. Kaylie Harris has three while Sydney Becker and Angelina Rispone have scored twice.
 
Defensively, Bryton Brown has played 750 minutes whole Reagan Goodwyn and Olivia Holmes have played 700 and 614 minutes, respectively. Senior goalkeeper Aislinn Wright has been stout this season as she has 39 saves, and two shutouts.
 
UIW (4-4-2) began conference play with a 2-1 victory over East Texas A&M. The Cardinals trailed 1-0 in the second half before Louise Coates and Tyler Coker scored back-to-back goals to complete the comeback.
 
UIW's offense is spearheaded by Zaiba Ishaque and Morgan Heintz who have scored three goals apiece. 11 other players for the Cardinals have scored at least one goal. Goalkeeper Hannah Alexander 42 saves and three shutouts this season.