THIBODAUX, LOUISIANA – The University of the Incarnate Word women's soccer team snapped an eight game losing streak and won their first Southland Conference game of the season on the road against Nicholls, 2-1 on Sunday.

Nicholls (2-6-1, 0-3 SLC) had an active first half with eight shots compared to UIW's four. The Cardinals (3-8, 1-2) broke the standoff in the 37^th minute when Emily Halal (Katy/Cinco Ranch HS) made the crucial pass to Megan Baker (Pflugerville/Hendrickson HS).  Baker finished it past the keeper to the left corner for her first goal of the season.  She almost extended the lead to 2-0 six minutes later, but the Colonel keeper, Amanda Boylson, made the save.

Freshman Emani Stewart (Victorville, CA/Hesperia HS) doubled the lead for the Cardinals eight minutes after halftime.  She noticed that the Nicholls keeper had over stepped in an attempt to win the ball so she curved it into an empty net.  Stewart is now tied for the team lead with four goals on the season.  

The Cardinals could not hold on to their first shutout in conference play when Spencer Valdespino scored on a penalty kick in the 88^th minute.  Karly Brightwell (Houston/Elkins HS) had an outstanding game for UIW with 10 saves to earn her first win of the season.

"We are thrilled to pick up a good win on the road," said UIW head coach Anne Felts.  "We've had a run of some tough luck and injuries, so to be able to fight through the adversity and get a win is huge for our confidence.  We really played solidly as a team and had two great finishes from Baker and Stewart.  I'm so proud of them for finding a way to win today."

Nicholls outshot UIW, 16-8.  Valdespino took nine of those shots, with seven on goal.  Baker fired off four for the Cardinals, while Stewart attempted two.  Boylson made three saves in the entire game.

The Cardinals will be returning home for a match against Central Arkansas on Friday at 7 p.m. They will also host Northwestern State on Sunday at 11 a.m.
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