Nicholls soccer takes on in-state rival McNeese

In a rare occasion where the Colonels only play one game rather than a regular two-game
weekend series, Nicholls will face off against Southland Conference rival McNeese State
University in Friday’s lone home match. The game will begin at 4 p.m. at the Nicholls Soccer
Complex.

Nicholls rolls into Friday’s matchup coming off a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory at Texas
A&M University-Corpus Christi last weekend. With that victory, the Colonels moved to 5-7 on
the season and 2-3 in conference play, placing the team seventh in Southland Conference
standings with six points.

McNeese comes into the weekend with an 8-3- 1 overall record on the season and is
currently tied for first place with a 4-1 conference record and 12 conference points. The Cowgirls
sport an impressive 5-1- 1 road record which is the best of any Southland Conference team. In
last year’s matchup between these two teams, McNeese emerged with a 4-0 victory.

“McNeese is at the top of the conference right now so we know they’re going to be a
good team,” said assistant coach Danny Free. “The years I’ve been here, we know their key
players and we kind of know what to expect. They’re a good team and it’s up to us to try and
nullify that.”

With it being homecoming weekend, Colonel soccer players and coaches are hopeful that
fans will be able to give them a special home field advantage in Friday’s match.

“Playing at home is always more fun that traveling, of course, and we really hope people come
out to support us,” senior midfielder Mie Elvestad said. “I know we play better when there’s a lot
of supporters and fans out there in the stands.”

“It’s a game against McNeese, so there’s extra excitement with a rivalry there,” said
fellow senior midfielder Emily Werenskiold. “We want to go out and win.”

“Obviously, we’ve got a lot of local alumni back in town for this weekend, a lot of family
that will travel to spend the weekend with the girls, and obviously the football game this
weekend,” said Free. “There’s a lot of events going on this week so it does add a bit of
excitement. Plus, it’s McNeese as well, which is not too far away so a lot of our girls know girls
on their team and it’s kind of a bit of a local rival.”