Nov. 15, 2008

Box Score

THIBODAUX, La. - In the final match of the 2008 regular season, Stephen F. Austin defeated Nicholls 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-15) Saturday afternoon in Stopher Gym.

"We didn't play very inspired today," said Head Coach Chris Laird. "We definitely didn't play the way we were supposed to, but we still have a lot to look forward to. Our season begins again next week at the conference tournament, so we have to play that way. We need to find that inspiration that we lacked this weekend rather than just going through the motions."

Freshman Rachel Yezak (Houston, Texas/Klein) led the Colonels with eight kills, hitting .350 through the three sets, while classmate Danielle Daigle (Napoleonville, La./Assumption) recorded a team-high 11 digs.

"Thanks to the fans for coming out this weekend - we had great crowds both nights - and we thank them for their support," noted Laird.

The Lady Jacks had three players reach double-digit kills, led by Lauren Railey's 14.

For Nicholls, junior Amy Whitehead (San Antonio, Texas/Douglas MacArthur) handed out 22 assists, while freshman Jordan Karst (Woodstock, Ga./Etowah) tallied five.

Whitehead and senior Enjoli Ford (New Orleans, La./McDonough 35) each posted five digs, while senior Chelsey Adams (Gulf Breeze, Fla./Pensacola JC) led the Colonels with four block assists and a solo block.

The Colonels held within two points of the lead for much of the first set before SFA used a 3-1 run to jump ahead 22-17. Nicholls attempted to rally with back-to-back points, but the Lady Jacks pulled off a 25-21 game-one victory.

After Nicholls knotted game two at 12-all, SFA scored five unanswered points for a lead they would not relinquish. The Cololonels kept it close through the end with kills from freshman Casie Blanchard (Napoleonville, La./Ascension Catholic) and Yezak, before dropping the second set 25-22.

Set number three was all SFA as the Lady Jacks used several scoring streaks to run to a 25-15 victory and claim the match.

"We're excited about making the SLC tournament and now it's time to take care of business and get after it," Laird added. "We're definitely not done, so we have to find that confidence and enthusiasm to play with. Hopefully we'll come back with some positive results from the tournament."

The Colonels will travel to Nacogdoches, Texas next week to compete in the Southland Conference Tournament. Seedings and match times will be announced early in the week.

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