THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team was unable to extend its win streak to four games, falling 3-1 at the hands of McNeese, in the season finale on Saturday afternoon.
The Colonels (9-17, 4-12 SLC) were riding their longest winning streak since Oct. 6, 2012, but couldn't overcome a strong performance from the Lions (14-18, 9-7 SLC) in Lake Charles.
Nicholls fell behind, 2-0, for a second straight match, with McNeese taking set wins of 25-17 and 25-18. The Colonels attempted to fight their way back, taking a 25-21 victory in the third, but couldn't complete the comeback. The Lions switched gears in the fourth, powering their way to a 25-12 win to seal the match.
In her final game for Nicholls,
Kaci Eaton led the team in points (16), kills (13) and service aces (two), while adding 10 digs.
Alyse Barclay paced the squad with 16 assists and added four blocks in her last match as a Colonel.
Anna Niederhauser contributed 13 digs and seven kills, while
Kali Schwartz turned in nine kills on the day.
Stephanie Tobison totaled 12 digs, and
Emily Weimer had a team-high five blocks in the loss.
Kelly Graham (41 assists), Bridget Justis (20 digs) and Malina Sanchez (14 kills) led McNeese.
Barclay leaves Nicholls eighth all-time, with 1547 assists in her three years as a Colonel. She set a career-high with 47 assists earlier this year against Louisiana-Lafayette, and totaled a career-high 12 digs against the University of Houston.
Eaton finishes her Nicholls career second all-time in points per set (4.36) and kills per set (3.93). She was named LSWA First Team, All-Southland Second Team and Newcomer of the Year in the 2014 season.
While the loss of Barclay and Eaton will be a tough void to fill, the Colonels retain the majority of their team for the upcoming year. Despite Saturday's loss, the Red and Gray ended the season on a high note, winning three of their last four matches.
Visit geauxcolonels.com for live stats, video and the most up-to-date information on Nicholls volleyball.
