THIBODAUX, La. — The Nicholls women’s soccer team continued its strong start to Southland Conference play Wednesday night, using a second-half goal from Kate Guillory and a solid defensive effort to earn a 1-0 victory over UIW at the Thibodaux Regional Sports Complex.
The win improved the Colonels to 3-3-4 overall and 1-0-1 in Southland play, while UIW fell to 4-5-2 overall and 1-1-0 in conference action.
Colonels Control the Opening Half
Nicholls was the more dangerous attacking side throughout much of the opening 45 minutes, outshooting UIW 9-4 and putting six attempts on goal.
The Colonels began creating opportunities early. Angelina Rispone sent an attempt wide in the eighth minute before Olivia Pugh forced UIW goalkeeper Hannah Alexander into a save at the 12:32 mark.
Jezlyn Nelson followed with another shot on goal in the 16th minute, while Sammi Doyle, Kate Guillory and Alyssa Wheeler all generated chances as Nicholls continued applying pressure.
Alexander kept the Cardinals level, however, recording six first-half saves as the match went to halftime scoreless.
UIW managed four shots before the break but was unable to put one on frame against Nicholls goalkeeper Aislinn Wright.
Guillory Breaks Through
UIW began finding more possession and opportunities after halftime, but it was Nicholls that finally broke the scoreless tie.
In the 67th minute, Guillory delivered the decisive moment.
The Nicholls forward found the back of the net at the 66:45 mark for an unassisted goal, giving the Colonels the 1-0 advantage.
It was one of only three Nicholls shots in the second half, but it proved to be all the offense the Colonels needed.
Guillory finished the night with a team-high three shots, including two on goal. Nelson, Wheeler, Pugh and Sammi Doyle each recorded two attempts for Nicholls.
Defense Closes It Out
UIW pushed forward following the Nicholls goal and ultimately held a 7-3 advantage in second-half shots.
The Cardinals generated opportunities from Abigail Casey, Taylor Kish, Joella Livingston and Louise Coates, but the Nicholls defense prevented UIW from finding an equalizer.
Wright was called upon late, making her lone save of the match on a Coates attempt in the 86th minute. UIW took one final shot in the 89th minute, but Coates’ effort went high as Nicholls closed out the clean sheet.
Wright finished with one save while playing all 90 minutes in goal. The Nicholls defense limited UIW to just two shots on goal despite the Cardinals attempting 11 shots overall.
By the Numbers
Nicholls finished with a narrow 12-11 advantage in total shots, but the Colonels held a commanding 8-2 edge in shots on goal.
Nicholls also earned four corner kicks compared to two for UIW. The Colonels committed eight fouls while UIW was whistled for three, and neither team received a card.
Alexander was outstanding despite the loss for UIW, finishing with seven saves on eight Nicholls shots on goal.
More importantly for the Colonels, Nicholls took advantage of one of its opportunities and made it stand.
Guillory’s 67th-minute strike proved to be the difference as Nicholls picked up three conference points and remained unbeaten through its first two Southland matches.
