The Nicholls State University soccer team’s season came to an end this past weekend, falling one game short of qualifying for the Southland Conference Tournament.

The Colonels beat the Demons of Northwestern State University (2-1) on Oct. 23, the first victory at home since Alcorn State University.

Forward Spencer Valdespino tied the game in fourth, after a goal from the Demons in the first 57 seconds of the game. The game was at odds as both teams fought to break the tie, but Nicholls possessed the ball for the majority of the match, leading them to finish with 12 shots, six which were on goal.

Freshman Francesca Curteis scored the first goal in her college career in the 90th minute, after being assisted by two seniors, Valdespino and defender midfielder Erin Flores.

“We have the ability to go out and win games and hopefully we are peaking our right time,” Dylan Harrison, head coach, said.

The Colonels (4-2), beat the University of Central Arkansas, putting the Colonels in a position to go into the postseason, on senior day.

In the third minute, freshman Haylee Atwell scored the first goal of the match, then scored again nine minutes later.

After 25 minutes of no goals, the Sugar Bears scored their first goal of the match in the 37th minute. In the second half, the Colonels locked their lead against the Sugar Bears when Valdespino scored in the 74th minute. The Sugar Bears stuck around by scoring again in the 76th minute, leaving the score 3-2.

Valdespino was not satisfied with a one-goal lead. With an assist from sophomores Ainsley Pratt and Emily Werenskiold, she scored her second goal of the night in minute 87. Valdespino ended the game with nine shots, four on goal.

“We won’t be flustered. We won’t get nervous because we have to win this game,” Valdespino said.

The Colonels needed to defeat Southeastern Louisiana University to secure a spot in postseason, however they fell short 2-1.

“It’s just another game I am out here to play, without thinking it’s just another game,” Valdespino said.

Prior to their wins against Sam Houston State University, Northwestern and Central Arkansas, Nicholls was ranked in the eighth spot in the Southland Conference. After their third win, the team was in sixth place, but finished the season in ninth place.

Overall, the Colonels ended the season 6-10-1 and in conference 4-7.

The team had the desire to make it to the postseason, but had to fight injuries to key players throughout the season, questionable calls from referees and last minute goals against them.

Spencer Valdespino played her last college game this past Friday. She left the field as one of the most decorated players in Nicholls history. Last season she was a key part for the Colonels having won the program’s first postseason game, scoring the game’s only goal.

Although Valdespino will not get to play postseason for her last season, she does not leave without taking several titles with her; she was named to her third consecutive All-Conference team.

She finished first in the SLC in shots (93), shots per game (5.47), shots on goal (47), shots on goal per game (2.76), points (30), points per game (1.76), goals (14) and goals per game (0.82).

This season’s seniors will be missed, but their leadership will live on through their teammates. This senior class leaves the most decorated players in program history.

Valdespino, Boylson, Flores, Daniels and Golden will be remembered for the number of program records and how they helped earn against Southern Mississippi, Southeastern Louisiana, and Northwestern State. They also reached multiple Southland Conference tournaments and secured the first postseason soccer win in school history. With 33 wins since 2012, they are most successful class in program history.