The Colonels plan to strike first against the Lamar University Lady Cardinals in their opening conference game Friday.

The Colonels head into the first conference game after a school record 10-goal performance against Alcorn State University at home. Head Coach Dylan Harrison said he wanted the team to get on the score sheet first against the Lamar State Lady Cardinals.

“The team that scores first is probably going to end up with the result,” Harrison said. “At Louisiana Tech we gave up that early goal and ended up chasing a bit. There is no doubt that the first goal is crucial.”

Nicholls gave up four goals against Louisiana Tech University and Mississippi State University. Earlier in the season the Colonels also gave up a 2-goal lead against the University of Southern Mississippi. Harrison said he thinks his team still has what it takes to compete in conference play.

“We wanted to give a better showing at Mississippi State and LA Tech, but we know what it takes to travel and perform well,” Harrison said.

Midfielder Kailey Daniels said the team has improved its shape coming into the first conference game.

“Playing against those teams prepared us defensively and made us stronger as a unit,” Daniels said. “We would love to start conference play off with a win.

Daniels said the speed of play they experienced on the road improved their chemistry, and she also said being on the road gave players a chance to build relationships off the field.

“In those big games it’s required of us to play faster to be successful, and it’s something we are continuing to improve upon,” Daniels said. “There’s also a lot of bonding that happens on road trips, so I think once conference play begins we’ll continue to get closer.”

Defender Savannah Boswell said that the defenders have improved on closing down space while maintaining possession.

“We have possessed the ball well, and everybody has done a good job closing down and winning it back,” Boswell said. “It’s been a good team effort.”

The team has managed to have at least eight players score and assist goals before conference play this season. Boswell said the team still wanted to be more patient on the ball.

“We have played a little too direct at times,” Boswell said. “We need to start playing more through the middle.”

Jess Coates is out for the season after she broke a bone in her wrist during practice. Several other players suffered concussions during non-conference play. Boswell said the players that have stepped in played well.

“We have been using a few other girls because of injuries and they have done well,” Boswell said. “We’ve managed to keep things organized.”

Daniels is playing her last season as a Colonel and she said she wanted to end her last season on a good note.
“Now it’s the real deal,” Daniels said. “Our record counts now. It’s my last year, so I’m really hoping that we have a good year and get some wins.”

The Colonels play the Lady Cardinals at Beaumont Texas on Sept. 18th at 7 p.m.

“We want to be the best in conference,” Daniels said. “There is something on the line, and this game will be huge for us.”