PRAIRIE VIEW – The Prairie View A&M soccer team was challenged with shutting down one of the nation's most active and productive offenses during its home opener versus Nicholls State.

Challenge accepted, and challenge completed. The Lady Panthers rose to the occasion, taking down the Colonels 2-1 to put their first victory on the board Sunday afternoon at the PVAMU Soccer Complex.
 
"It was important for us to perform well and get the result we were looking for in our home opener," said PVAMU soccer head coach Sonia Curvelo.  "We have been on the road playing four tough teams so it is great to get that first win of the season and score two goals."

The Lady Panthers (1-4) smothered the typically spirited Colonels offense early on. Nicholls came into the contest averaging 25 shots a game. The Lady Panthers surrendered just one shot during the first half while pressuring the Colonels' backline with six tries over the initial 20 minutes of action.
 
"We were strong on the attack and came out strong winning many first and second balls in the game, Curvelo said."  Players were takin a lot more shots in this game which is encouraging and we're determined to get into the 18 yard box."

Though neither side found the twine in the opening 45 minutes, the Lady Panthers' aggression paid off at the 49^thminute, when junior forward Jojo Bernal beat Nicholls goalie Jade Gallaher for the first mark of the game.

Nicholls tied the match moments later thanks to a goal from Elisabeth Gunnthorsdottir. The sides traded opportunities, but the Lady Panthers cashed in during the 74^th minute, as sophomore midfielder Kalia Brown netted the eventual game-winner.

Despite a late charge from the Colonels' attackers, sophomore goalie Quinn Josiah and the Lady Panthers' defense stood strong as PVAMU handed Nicholls State its first loss of the season.
"Nicholls State was a physical team and so were we.  We will continue to grow stronger as we approach conference play soon.  We deserved this win today so proud of the players and the whole staff for their strong efforts.

Prairie View A&M out shot Nicholls 18-11, though the Colonels placed nine tries on goal compared to six for the Lady Panthers. Josiah made eight saves – all in the second half – to preserve the win.

With the first leg of a six-game home stand a successful one, the Panthers will have a few days off from competition before returning to action on Sept. 13 to take on Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. First touch is set for 7 p.m.