<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>MOBILE, Ala. &ndash;</strong></span> The Nicholls State University women's soccer team pushed South Alabama to its limit in the team's regular season opener, but the Jaguars' late score was enough to hold off the Colonels 2-1 Friday night at The Cage.</p> <p>After a scoreless first half with plenty of shots on both sides, the Jags (1-0) struck first on a penalty kick 4:53 into the second half to take the lead, until freshman Jess Coates scored in the 57th minute to tie the game to keep things close on a penalty kick of her own.</p> <p>But later, USA found the back of the Nicholls (0-1) net again to go up 2-1 for the game's final score.</p> <p>Nicholls came out the gate looking to make a statement on defense and played the signature physical style that looks to be a staple for this group this season. By the end of the contest, the Colonels nearly doubled the fouls of the Jaguars.</p> <p>The Colonels will remain in Mobile and take on the Spring Hill College Badgers Sunday afternoon at Liberty Field.</p>