The Nicholls State University women’s soccer team fell to Southeastern Louisiana University 2-0 in the annual Crystal Cup matchup.

Nicholls(2-8-1) came into the matchup against the top-ranked team in the Southland Conference Southeastern(5-6-1) looking for its first conference win.

The rivals set a strong defensive tone early, with neither team staying in possession for longer than a few minutes.

Each team took shots on goal early but saves from both keepers kept the first half scoreless.

Nicholls midfielder Lillie Mazur said she felt lucky to get the shot on goal, but the team missed a few opportunities on offense in the opening half.

“We had a few opportunities we didn’t take advantage of, but we still got a shot on goal. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time, but it could have been anyone.”

Offensive aggression early in the second half, saw the Lions break the draw seven minutes into the half with a Hallie Yoder goal in the 53rd minute.

Nicholls responded with four unsuccessful shot attempts in the second half. 

Senior Goalkeeper Megan Cook held the Lions to one goal through most of the half, saving two shots in the final period. 

“Megan [Cook] is solid in goal, she’s been very solid the last few games,” Nicholls women’s soccer Head Coach Kristy Helmers said. “There were some games that could have been four or five nil, but [Cook] kept us in it.” 

The Colonels showed signs of fatigue late, eventually surrendering a Maggie Denison goal in the 82nd minute. 

Denison’s goal sealed a victory for the Lions who held the Colonels without a shot attempt in the final seven minutes.

The Colonels have been held scoreless through six conference matches, but the team has confidence that the first goal is coming soon.

“I really think next game is our game. We had a lot more opportunities in this game than we’ve had in the past,” Mazur said. “It’s gonna take that first goal to start it and once we get that one we’re going to keep it going.”

The Colonels are back in action on Friday against the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas.

The match is streaming on ESPN+.