Soccer team returning to Texas to take on Lamar

The Nicholls State University Women’s soccer team looks to end their ride on the emotional rollercoaster as they play Lamar University after their fourth consecutive weekend with a win and loss.

This past weekend the team traveled to Abilene, Texas for a match against Abilene Christian University. The Abilene Wildcats took home the win leaving the Colonels with a 3-0 shutout. ACU scored within the first half with only two goal attempts from the Colonels. By the end of the game, junior midfielder/defender Kaylie Daniels, senior midfielder/forward Lauren O’Brien, junior midfielder Jess Coates and senior midfielder/forward Sarah Tani registered two shots a piece with one on goal. Goalkeepers Taylor Mosely and Josie Stiles combined for five saves with three goals allowed.

“Abilene is a good team, I have to give it to them. We had a really long bus trip and a bunch of other factors that played into it. I think they’re just a good team and we didn’t come out swinging,” said junior goalkeeper Haley Golden.

They continued their Texas weekend getaway as they traveled to San Antonio Sunday to play the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals. The game ended with a score of 3-1 in favor of the Colonels. The first goal of the game came from Coates with an assist from sophomore forward Miranda O’Neil. The Cardinals responded shortly after with their first goal tying the game. Until the last ten minutes, the game remained a tie until the Colonels decided to pick up the pace. The two rapid goals were scored from freshman midfielder Emily Werenskiold with both assists from Coates.

“I think we played really well Sunday as a complete unit. Everybody was working hard for each other and it really just hyped the whole team up. We were connecting and I just think it was a really good game,” said Golden.

Coates led the Colonels offensively this weekend with one goal and two assists. Defensively Golden earned her first start and win of the season. She now has the new team high of .833 save percent after having four saves and only one goal allowed on 14 shots.

“It’s a good feeling but it’s a team sport. It’s nice to have some recognition but I also couldn’t have played the way I did without my teammates. We make each other better players,” said Golden.

Friday, Oct. 3 the Colonels will face another group of Texas Cardinals as they travel to Beaumont, Texas to play Lamar University. The Cardinals will come in to the game with an overall record of 4-6 and a win against Nicholls last season of 2-1. The Colonels have a current overall record of 6-5 for the 2014 season.

“I think it’s going to be a good game. Lamar is also a good team, but If we play like we did Sunday and work for each other, I think we’ll win.”