HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana junior forward Kayla Vera netted two goals, but Nicholls' Spencer Valdespino answered with four goals of her own, as the Colonels defeated the Lady Lions, 4-2, in Southland Conference women's soccer action Friday afternoon at the Southeastern Soccer Complex.
 
Friday's match was the home finale for the Lady Lions (12-6, 5-5 Southland). Valdespino's efforts helped Nicholls (9-8, 5-5 Southland) defeat SLU for the first team ever in the 24^th meeting between the two schools.
 
In addition to Vera's two goals, freshman Maggie Ramsey was credited with two assists for SLU. Lady Lion senior Chelsea Villaescusa and sophomore Lauren Lorentz were each credited with assists as well.
 
Nicholls jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 15^th minute. Valdespino got free well outside of the goalie box and sent a high shot over SLU sophomore goalkeeper Casey Jeanfreau.
 
The Lady Lions evened the match just over three minutes later. Villaescusa sent a corner kick to the far post and Ramsey put the ball on frame. Vera was right there to send a short shot past Nicholls goalkeeper Taylor Mosley to knot the score.
 
Nicholls took momentum in the final minute of the first half. Valdespino penetrated down along the baseline and curved a shot in to give the Colonels a 2-1 halftime lead.
 
Nicholls opened the match up early in the second half. Jess Coates played a cross off a Hannah Savoie throw-in that Valdespino tucked inside the far post to put NSU up, 3-1.
 
With SLU still recovering, the Colonels added to their lead less than a minute later. A long shot by Valdespino was deposited into the net to give NSU a commanding 4-1 advantage.
 
SLU had a great scoring chance less than two minutes later. Junior Gisenia Utreras was rewarded a penalty kick but her try sailed just wide.
 
The Lady Lions were awarded another penalty kick in the 63^rd minute. However, Mosley made a diving stop on Ramsey's try.
 
However, Southeastern scored off the ensuing throw-in. Lorentz directed Ramsey's throw-in towards the net and Vera drilled in the deflection. The Vancouver, Washington native's seventh goal of the season cut the lead to 4-2. However, the teams played to a stalemate for the remainder of the match, allowing the Colonels to secure the victory.
 
SLU will close out the regular season on Sunday, traveling to Houston Baptist for a 1 p.m. match. Live stats, provided by HBU, will be accessible at LionSports.net.