SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team will travel to San Antonio, Texas to face the University of the Incarnate Word at 7 p.m. on Thursday.
 
With only four games remaining in the regular season, the Colonels (9-16, 5-7 SLC) are currently ranked eighth in the Southland and control their own destiny as teams battle for a place in the postseason. Nicholls is coming off of two hard-fought matches, going the full five sets in a 3-2 win over Abilene Christian and a 3-2 loss to Southeastern Louisiana consecutively, but after a 3-0 straight-set victory over New Orleans on Saturday and a four-day break, the Colonels will be at full strength entering Thursday's contest.
 
The Cardinals (8-18, 4-8 SLC) are coming off of a 3-1 non-conference loss to the University of Texas-Pan America after defeating New Orleans and Abilene Christian in their previous two Southland matches.
 
In their only matchup last season Incarnate Word defeated Nicholls 3-1 in San Antonio.
 
Kaci Eaton leads the Colonels offensively and is second in the conference in kills (371) and kills per set (4.22). Eaton was dominant over the last week, registering matches of 25 and 23 kills. Her 25 kills in a victory over Abilene Christian were a career-high for Eaton. She is second in the nation and first in the Southland in attacks per set (13.26). Ainsley Marroccoli has a team-high 572 assists for the Colonels.
 
Kalynn Egea commands the Nicholls defense and is now first in the Southland in both digs (493) and digs per set (5.8). Egea has been on fire over the past three matches, in which she totaled a colossal 74 digs. Over the past four weeks she has earned 31, 26, 31 and 17 digs, and only fell below 20 digs in a 3-0 straight set victory over New Orleans. Egea is third in the nation in digs per set this year. Emily Weimer paces the Colonels in blocks, with 55 on the season.
 
Angelique Vidaurri heads the Cardinals offensive attack with 298 kills, while Kaitlyn Brooks has a team-leading 435 assists. Incarnate Words is balanced on the defensive end, with six players registering 100 or more digs. Claudia Hernandez paces the squad with 262 digs on the year. Vidaurri and Bryaunea Hall have 67 and 66 blocks respectively.
 
Nicholls will face Incarnate Word on Thursday before heading to Abilene, Texas for a matchup against Abilene Christian at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
 
Visit geauxcolonels.com to find live stats and the most up-to-date information on Nicholls women's volleyball.