Final Stats Box Score and Play-by-Play

LAKE CHARLES, La. - For the second straight match, the Nicholls State University women's volleyball team (13-12, 5-7 Southland Conference) fought through more than 20 tie scores and double-digit lead changes.  However, for the second straight match, the Colonels came away empty-handed as Nicholls dropped a nailbiter to the McNeese State Cowgirls (12-15, 6-6 Southland Conference)by scores of 20-25, 22-25 and 22-25 on Saturday afternoon.

In a back-and-forth contest, the Colonels were neck-and-neck with the Cowgirls all day.  Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for the Colonels as the Cowgirls outhit Nicholls .206 (44-16-136) to .143 (44-23-147).

The opening set featured seven tie scores and three lead changes and the Colonels rallied to tie the match at 16-16.  However, the Cowgirls put together a 9-4 run to pull away late in the set to take a 1-0 lead.  The second set followed suit as the Colonels and Cowgirls battled each other through 11 ties and five lead changes.  But, after Nicholls took a 17-14 lead, McNeese put together another big run, outpacing the Colonels 11-5 to take a 25-22 win and a 2-0 lead.

Looking to stay alive and avoid a straight set defeat, the Colonels came out strong in the third set by opening the frame with an 8-3 run en route to a 16-11 lead midway through the third set.  But, once again, the Cowgirls refused to go quietly.  McNeese and Nicholls saw eight ties and four lead changes in the third, and the Cowgirls once again put together a 14-6 run to take the 25-22 third set victory.

The Colonels were led by junior Rachel Yezak's 11th double-double of the season and her sixth in her last eight matches.  The Houston, Texas native turned in 12 kills and 12 digs.  Sophomore middle blocker Jessica Addicks tied Yezak for the team-high with 12 kills and added a team-best .281 hitting percentage.  Meanwhile, junior libero Danielle Daigle turned in a match-high 22 digs, and sophomore middle blocker Jasmine Harris and freshman outside hitter Lauren Chapman each had a hand in three of the Colonels 8.0 blocks to lead the Nicholls defense.