ITTA BENA, Miss. – The Mississippi Valley State soccer team dropped its 2019 season opener in a 5-0 decision to the Nicholls State Colonels Friday (Aug. 23) in Thibodaux, Louisiana. 

The Devilettes (0-1-0) held their ground early, but conceded the opening goal to the Colonels' (1-0-0) Elisabeth Gunnthorsdottir in the 24th minute. An own goal in the 33rd minute gave Nicholls a 2-0 advantage going into the break.

Nicholls secured the match with an early goal in the second half, then added a pair of late goals to complete the scoring. 

Aryana Saenz (Cape Coral, Fla.) was the leading offensive player for Valley, trying her hand at three shots with one on goal. Erika Smith (Marshall, Va.) and Sierra Gray (Olive Branch, Miss.) also registered shots on goal. Hannah Crise (Garland, Tex.) tried two shots on goal as a substitute. The Colonels' goalkeeper Roosa Hurmerinta saved all five shots. 

Despite the five goals allowed, Valley keeper McKenzie McCarthy (Olive Branch, Miss.) managed to earn eight saves. 

The loss extends the team's losing streak in season openers, which dates back to 2006. 

Valley will look to level their record in a second match with Nicholls. Due to field conditions, the game will kick off at noon Saturday (Aug. 24) at Central Lafourche High School in Matthews, Louisiana.