After winning a school record of five consecutive games, the Nicholls State University’s soccer team lost both games last week to begin Southland Conference play 0-2 but look to rebound this Friday, Oct. 7 against McNeese State University.

In a match versus Central Arkansas, the Colonels lost 1-2 in a closely fought battle. Until the 62nd minute, the match remained scoreless until Nicholls conceded the game’s first goal.

Once the Cowboys found the net again in the 84th minute, the Colonels answered with a goal by the foot of freshman midfielder Missy McGuire.

Red-shirt senior goalkeeper Molly Mersereau said it was hard to have the streak ended with two conference losses.

“Ever since I have been here, it seems like we have struggled on the road,” Mersereau said. “Losing two in a row after five wins definitely leaves a bad taste in your mouth but it makes you want to work harder to win more games.”

“Going into conference play, we knew to expect tough games and hard competition,” head coach Dylan Harrison said. “There is always extra pressure added to these games, especially when you are playing on the road.”

“There were a couple of things that dictated the game, for example the wind influenced play, but it was nothing our girls have not experienced,” Harrison said. “But at the end of the day, there were some opportunities that we missed out on.”

Mersereau also chalked the loss up to not putting the final touch on the ball.

“We could not put things together, and unfortunately Central Arkansas managed to put a few more goals in the net than we did.”

Against Northwestern State, the Colonels were defeated again by a score of 0-2. The Lady Demons opened the match with an early 6th minute goal and would later score their second goal in the 86th minute.

“In my opinion, the score did not reflect how the game was actually played or the eventual outcome,” Harrison said. “It was not the type of goal we would like to give up, but our girls refused to quit and did a great job of responding.”

“We not only kept fighting but took control of the game. Unfortunately, we missed out on some opportunities, whether it was shots hitting the post or one-on-one chances,” Harrison said.

“The types of goals we gave up this weekend were a bit frustrating, but now all we can do is make sure they do not happen again,” Harrison said. “I am content with where we are as a team right now, and all we need is a little fine tuning.”

The past two losses, however, cannot damper the accomplishments the soccer team has already achieved this early in the season. Six wins equal last season’s total.

A conference win and seventh win, which will set a new school record, is ensuing, according to Mersereau.

“It is hard to expect wins, but if we can put the final touches on goals early in games, there is no doubt that we can break the school record,” Mersereau said.

Tomorrow, the Colonels continue conference play and look to set that very record with a victory versus McNeese State.

“It is just as much about bragging rights as it is picking up a win. This is a big game against an in-state rival for our girls, considering they know a lot of their players. But going out and getting a win is always the idea,” Harrison said.

After four losses in as many seasons, the Colonels look to end that streak against the Cowboys.