The Nicholls State University soccer team is still fighting to punch their ticket to the Southland Conference with their remaining six matches of the season.

The Colonels lost their last game (3-2) to McNeese State University after leading by one goal for the majority of the match.

The Cowgirls scored in the second minute of the first half, but the Colonels answered with two goals to take a (2-1) halftime lead.

The Colonels’ forward, Spencer Valdespino equalized the game in minute 13 with an assist from midfielder Bethany Hollier.

The Colonels then scored their second goal in the 29th minute on a rebound by Hannah Savoie from a free kick by Valdespiro.

The Colonels kept pressure on the Cowgirls over the first 35 minutes of the second half but could not stop the Cowgirls from scoring in the 80th minute and 84th.
Even though the Colonels had a strong possession for the majority of the game, a mistake cost them their one goal lead. They were not left with much time to respond.

The Colonels are due to play Stephen F. Austin University and Sam Houston State University this weekend. The Colonels lost both matches last season against SFA and SH.

“It was nice to be up for the majority of the game, that helped. For a while we were dominating and in control,” midfielder Ainsley Pratt said
The second goal allowed for breathing room for the Colonels.

“It forced them to change the stuff they want to do because they have to go chase the game,” Head Coach Dylan Harrison said.

This team’s record and stats does not accurately reflect how often this team has fought through injuries and adverse calls.

“We may not have the best record or the best statistics but it does not mean we are not successful. We are still making positive changes and putting the pieces together,” Pratt said.

With a few mental lapses in previous games, the team is ready to overcome their shortcomings to keep yet another win from escaping their grip.

The McNeese game is the second game that the Colonels were leading but lost in the last 10 minutes of the game.

“We can’t make little mistakes and give up the ball in dangerous areas,” midfielder Erin Flores said.

With the Southland Conference games coming to an end on Oct. 30, the teams is focusing on cleaning up their finishes and avoid making silly mistakes.
“I still have faith in our team. I do not want to see it to end on the 30th,” Flores said.

On top of having a tough time winning conference games, this year’s squad has had to endure three of its seniors sitting out the season due to injury.
“It’s hard to lose key players, especially for the younger players. It’s hard to take responsibility to be a leader when there are not as many as when you first started,” Flores said.