NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team kept things close from start to finish on Saturday afternoon, but New Orleans was able to squeak by with narrow victories in each set to win, 3-0, at the Human Performance Center.
 
The Colonels (6-16, 1-11 SLC) held leads in every set, but could never close out the Privateers (15-13, 4-7 SLC), who are much improved over last year's squad.
 
The two teams fought to a 24-24 tie in the opening set, before New Orleans scored consecutive points to grab a 26-24 victory. In similar fashion, Nicholls trailed 24-23 in the second, but the Privateers scored the final point to narrowly edge the Colonels. Midway through the third set Nicholls trailed 13-12, but New Orleans put together a 6-0 run to extend their advantage. The Colonels fought admirably, trading points with the Privateers, but New Orleans ultimately won the set, 25-18.
 
Nicholls put forth an evenly balanced attack on offense. Kaci Eaton (11 kills) Anna Niederhauser (nine kills) and Emily Weimer (seven kills) led the way, while Alyse Barclay and Lucija Barac combined for 29 assists. Defensively, Stephanie Tobison and Niederhauser paced the squad, with 11 and nine digs respectively. Weimer and Niederhauser each totaled three blocks, while Sydney Lerille added two. Niederhauser finished with three service aces to lead the team, followed by Eaton and Tobison, with two apiece.
 
Celeste Ramirez (37 assists), Blessing Dunn (11 kills), Lauren Levy (11 digs) and Samantha Uline (three blocks) led the Privateers.
 
The Colonels will face a three-game home stand against Incarnate Word (Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6:30 p.m.), Abilene Christian (Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m.) and Southeastern La. (Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m.).
 
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.