THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls' forward Spencer Valdespino scored her second goal of the game in the 83^rd minute to beat the Sam Houston women's soccer team, 3-2, Sunday afternoon. The result sets up a rematch in the first round of the Southland postseason tournament, Thursday, Nov. 7.  

The Bearkats (8-10-1, 6-6 SLC) came out firing and grabbed an early lead after sophomore midfielder Mariah Titus scored in the seventh minute. The goal was Titus' team-leading eighth of the season.

Nicholls answered with ten minutes remaining in the first half as the Southland's leading goal scorer, Valdespino buried a free kick from just outside of the penalty box.

The Colonels took the lead shortly after the interval when Jess Coates finished off a cross from Kristy Tatom.

SHSU was able to find a late equalizer as freshman Jordan Jarzombek leveled the match in the 80^th minute. Jarzombek chipped the ball into an open net for her first goal of the season.

The game wasn't tied long as Valdespino slotted in her 16^th goal of the season and handed the Bearkats another late loss.

Sam Houston State will be the No. 5 seed in the league tournament while Nicholls earned the No. 4 seed. The two teams will square off against each other again Thursday at 7 p.m. in Lake Charles.

The complete tournament schedule