Nicholls State University women’s soccer team ended their emotional rollercoaster with joy after winning their last home game of the season while celebrating senior night.

Pregame activities this past Sunday included the recognition of the eight senior players as their families escorted them. Seniors included: Kristy Tatom, Misty Tatom, Missy McGuire, Kirsten Cunningham, Amber Moore, Lauren O’Brien, Amanda Boylson and Sarah Tani.

The Colonels won 2-0 against the University of Central Arkansas with goals from both Jess Coates and O’Brien. The UCA Sugar Bears now have current record of 1-7 in conference. This week’s win ended with Nicholls having a current record of 4-5 in conference, and moved them up from eighth to sixth standing in the Southland Conference.

“I would have been kind of sad if we lost our senior game, but I think it’s just a sign that we’re not done yet,” Tani said. “We’re still trying to make it to the tournament, and we still have a good chance. We just want to go out with a bang.”

Tomorrow, Nicholls will travel to Hammond, Louisiana to play the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions, and Sunday to Huntsville, Texas to play the Sam Houston State University Bearkats in their final two games of the season.

“It’s more of a sad thing. Obviously we want to go out and play as hard as we can because for most of the seniors, it’s going to be our last competitive game that we’ll ever play. I’ve spent the last 18 years playing, so I guess it’s going to be weird because we’ve spent our whole lives playing soccer, and it’s just over,” Tani said. “My attitude going into the last two games is to play my hardest, enjoy my teammates company and leave this place better than what I found it.”

Each senior left a personal impact on the team, and a few told the one piece of advice that they would like to give the younger teammates.

“Cherish every second you have as a Nicholls soccer player. From the 6 a.m. practices, to the away trips and especially the games. It doesn’t last forever, so just remember, enjoy your time while it lasts,” Tatom said.
“Be nothing more than yourself. You were recruited for a reason, and that reason is that you are you. Every player brings something to the table that is different than what any other one player will bring. Be yourself. That is all that should be asked of you,” Moore said.

Tatom and Tani advise other players on cherishing their time as younger athletes.

“Don’t wish the days away. You’ll be in my position in the blink of an eye,” Tatom said.

“Enjoy it while it lasts. The most important thing is the people that you’re with and your teammates. The score matters and stats matter, but the most important thing is enjoying your time with your teammates because it goes by fast,” said Tani.