HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team had a slow start on Thursday night and was unable to pick up enough momentum to overtake Sam Houston, falling 3-0, in the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
 
The Colonels (5-10, 0-3 SLC) were punched in the mouth early on Thursday night as the Bearkats (9-8, 3-0 SLC) scored the first five points of the opening set and never looked back, cruising to a 25-11 victory. No stranger to fighting from behind, Nicholls responded in the second set, but couldn't overtake Sam Houston, falling 25-18. The Colonels held their own in the third, pushing the Bearkats to a 15-15 tie midway through the set, but Sam Houston pulled away over the final few plays, downing Nicholls, 25-21, to cap off the win.
 
Emily Weimer was exceptional in the match, earning seven kills and leading the Colonels in both hitting percentage (.545) and blocks (three). Kaci Eaton paced the squad in both digs (12) and kills (nine), while tying Weimer's three blocks. Alyse Barclay totaled 20 assists and Anna Niederhauser registered 10 digs, three kills and the team's only service ace. Kali Schwartz finished with six kills and two blocks on the night.
 
Taylor Cunningham (11 kills), Michelle Griffith (36 assists) and Breanna Homer (16 digs) led the Bearkats.
 
Nicholls will face Lamar on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Cardinals lost to Sam Houston in their conference opener, but are coming off of a win over McNeese on Thursday.
 
Following Saturday's match, the Colonels will return to Thibodaux for the their first action in Stopher Gym. The Red and Grey host New Orleans on Friday, Oct. 6, and Central Arkansas on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
 
Admission to all Nicholls home volleyball games is absolutely free! Come out and support your Colonels!
 
Visit geauxcolonels.com for live stats, video and the most up-to-date information on Nicholls volleyball.