Nicholls soccer drops both weekend games, falls to 2-4 on the season

It was a disappointing weekend for the Colonels soccer team. On Friday, Nicholls lost to
Alcorn State University by a score of 1-0. On Sunday, the Colonels were defeated soundly,
losing 5-1 at the hands of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Nicholls fell to 2-4 on the
season with these two losses.

The Colonels hoped to capitalize on last weekend’s 2-0 winning streak and build on it
before they go into Southland Conference play next Friday.

While Nicholls was unable to and dropped these games versus Alcorn State and ULL, they were given one last chance to experiment with different rotations and formations that will be used in conference play.

Friday’s matchup versus Alcorn State was a tightly contested match all throughout. The
first half was tight defensively, as both teams combined to take only five shots. Offense picked
up in the second half and Alcorn State forward Rita Okoro found the back of the net in the 77 th
minute.

On the game, Alcorn State outdid Nicholls eleven to six on shots and six to four on shots
on goal. Nicholls midfielder Mie Elvestad lead the team with three shots and two shots on goal.

Goalkeeper Roosa Hurmerinta played the full game and recorded five saves. The Colonels
struggled to find an offensive rhythm throughout the game.

In Sunday’s match versus the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the Colonels
experimented with a new starting lineup. Several players started for the first time this season,
giving them game experience in preparation for conference play. With so many new faces playing as a cohesive starting unit for the first time, the Colonels understandably struggled as
they lost 5-1.

Nicholls was outshot 25 to five on the game. ULL also had 12 shots on goal compared to
the Colonels’ two. ULL scored five consecutive goals before Colonels midfielder Haylee Atwell
scored in the 89 th minute on a goal assisted by midfielder Emily Werenskiold. Freshman
goalkeeper Taylor Benoit got her first start and recorded seven saves on the game.

The Colonels play the final two games of their six-game road trip next weekend. They
begin Southland Conference play on Friday on the road at Lamar University. They play one
more non-conference foe on Sunday with a game against Southern University before playing
Southland Conference opponents for the rest of the season.

Weekend Statistics (@ Alcorn State and @ ULL):

GK #1 Benoit, Taylor: 7 saves, 5 goals allowed
#8 Atwell, Haylee: 2 shots, 1 shot on goal, 1 goal
#12 Werenskiold, Emily: 3 shots, 2 shots on goal, 1 assist
#26 Shelby, Jessica: 1 shot
#30 Bunn, Brittany: 1 shot
#32 Elvestad, Mie: 4 shots, 3 shots on goal
GK #44 Hurmerinta, Roosa: 5 saves, 1 goal allowed