CONWAY, Ark. – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team could not upset the Southland Conference leading University of Central Arkansas, falling 3-0 on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Colonels (7-12, 3-3 SLC) had a tough task entering their contest against the two-time defending regular season and conference champion. The Sugar Bears (12-7, 7-0 SLC) went 18-0 in conference last year, and moved to 7-0 in the Southland this season with Saturday's victory.
 
Central Arkansas took the first set 25-20. In the set, Nicholls was down by as much as eight but stormed back to push the Sugar Bears until the final point. The second set was close throughout, but Central Arkansas ultimately took the set 25-20 as well. The Sugar Bears pulled away in the third, taking the final set 25-16 to seal the victory.
 
Kaci Eaton led Nicholls with 10 kills while Kali Schwartz added nine. Kalynn Egea led the team with 14 digs. Ainsley Marroccoli and Alyse Barclay had 20 and 10 assists respectively. Emily Weimer finished with two blocks and a team-high .500 hitting percentage.
 
Heather Schnars exploded for 21 kills to lead UCA. Shelbee Berringer had a team-leading 17 digs and Kristine Hjembo added 44 assists for the Sugar Bears. Megan Nash had four blocks and Evie Singleton contributed four service aces in the victory for Central Arkansas.
 
Nicholls will have a week to prepare for their next opponent, McNeese State. The Colonels will face the Cowboys on Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. in Lake Charles.
 
Visit geauxcolonels.com to find live stats and the most up-to-date information on Nicholls women's volleyball.