O'Brien's Goal Lifts Colonels Past Devilette

by Clyde Verdin

September 21, 2012

ITTA BENA, Miss. – After 17 shots and nine shots on goal in the match, the Nicholls State University women's soccer team escaped with a 1-0 win over the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes Friday night in Itta Bena.

With the scoreboard still empty and just 18 minutes left in regulation, Lauren O'Brien got a pass from Kristy Tatom, and fired home the game winner in the 72nd minute to give the Colonels (4-5) the win. It was O'Brien's third goal of the year which is tied for second on the team, while Tatom earned her third assist of the season to tie for the team lead.

In all, eight different Colonels had shots in the match led by Annie Newell's five with two shots on goal, followed by Spencer Valdespino's three and Nicole Doherty, Alexandra Marino and Tatom's two each.

The Colonel defense proved to be much stronger than the previous week, allowing just two shots, both on goal, on the night as goalie Haley Golden improved to 3-0 on the season with two saves.

There were 12 fouls called between the two teams, with five yellow cards given over the duration of the match.

Nicholls will return to action on Sunday with their final non-conference match of the year against the Alcorn State Lady Braves at 1 p.m. in Lorman.