September 1, 2006

THIBODAUX, La. - An own goal in the 84th minute proved to be the difference, as the Nicholls Colonels suffered a 1-0 loss to Mississippi Valley State Friday afternoon at the Nicholls Soccer Field.

The Colonels fell to 1-3 on the season, while Mississippi Valley State improved to 3-0, having shutout all three of their opponents.

"I thought we came out pretty flat today," said head coach Cindy Piper. "We didn't come out with a sense of urgency in the first half, and we were fortunate that the other team didn't either. We came out a little better in the second half, but we lacked intensity. We had some shots, but they would not go in. We are young, but hopefully as we mature we will start to get the breaks we need and the goals will go in."

The Devilettes had a chance to breakthrough first on a penalty kick in the 20th minute. However, Nicholls goalie Sarah Neunzig, saved Sonia Curvelo's kick, keeping the game scoreless heading into the second half.

The game remained scoreless until the 84th minute when Billie Potter's header went awry and ended up in the Nicholls goal, giving Mississippi Valley State a 1-0 lead.

"It's unfortunate," commented Piper. "It's just one of those things that happen and you can't do much about."

Both teams had chances to get on the scoreboard throughout the game. The Devilettes finished the game with 13 shots on goal to the Colonels' eight.

Tori Priddy attempted five shots, four of which were on goal. Curvelo had seven shots with four being on goal.

Nicholls returns to action on Sunday when they travel to Monroe, La. to take on Louisiana-Monroe. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m.

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