Colonel soccer closes out regular season road schedule as push for the playoffs continue

With the regular season road schedule ending over the weekend, Nicholls soccer looked
to make strides in improving their standing in the Southland Conference playoff race. The
Colonels tied Sam Houston State University 0-0 on Friday, adding one conference point to bring
their total up to seven overall. Nicholls then lost to a tough opponent in Stephen F. Austin
University on Sunday by a score of 3-0. The team fell to 5-9- 1 on the year.

The weekend results dropped the Colonels to the ninth spot in the Conference playoff
race. With only the top eight teams making the tournament at the end of the year, Nicholls will
little room for error over their last three games, which all happen to be at home. The Colonels, 2-
5-1 in Conference play, currently trail eighth-ranked Sam Houston State by three points.

Friday’s match versus Sam Houston State proved to be a defensive struggle for both
teams. While the Colonels ended up being outshot 25 to five on the match, including 11 to two in
shots on goal, the team was able to keep the game scoreless as it ended in a tie after 110 minutes
of action.

Goalkeeper Roosa Hurmerinta was a key cog in keeping the game scoreless, as she
recorded 11 saves on the match. Forward Kristy Helmers led the Colonels with two shots.

In Sunday’s match, the Colonels were unable to withstand an early onslaught from a
talented Stephen F. Austin team. The Ladyjacks struck early, with goals in the 15 th and 19 th
minutes. At the half, Nicholls faced a 2-0 halftime deficit. In the second half, the Colonel
offensive attack picked up as Nicholls outshot the Ladyjacks six to four, but the team was unable
to capitalize on its opportunities. Nicholls ended the game with six shots on goal. Stephen F.

Austin added another goal in the 86th minute, making the final score 3-0.

Reserve midfielder Eli Gunnthorsdottir provided a spark to the team’s offense and lead
the Colonels in shots (three) and shots on goal (two). Goalkeeper Roosa Hurmerinta recorded
four saves.

The Colonels will return to Thibodaux for their remaining three games as they close out
the regular season on their home field. Their next game will be against the University of Central
Arkansas on Friday at 4 p.m.

Weekend Statistics (@ Sam Houston State and @ Stephen F. Austin):

#3 Helmers, Kristy: 2 shots, one shot on goal
#5 Laiche, Blaire: one shot
#6 Gunnthorsdottir, Eli: 3 shots, 2 shots on goal
#8 Atwell, Haylee: one shot, one shot on goal
#10 Curteis, Francesca: 3 shots, one shot on goal
#12 Werenskiold, Emily: one shot, one shot on goal
#18 Champagne, Kirstie: 3 shots, one shot on goal
#32 Elvestad, Mie: one shot, one shot on goal
GK #44 Hurmerinta, Roosa: 15 saves, 3 goals allowed