THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team had a disappointing start to Southland Conference play, falling in straight sets to both Stephen F. Austin and Northwestern State. Despite a rough weekend, both matches were much closer than the scores indicate, and the Colonels are determined to turn things around against Sam Houston (Thursday at 1 p.m.) and Lamar (Saturday at 1 p.m.) on the road in Texas.
 
Last season Nicholls (5-9, 0-2 SLC) faced the Bearkats (8-8, 2-0 SLC) and Cardinals (10-5, 0-1 SLC) in back-to-back games at home. The Colonels fell, 3-1, against Sam Houston, before downing Lamar, 3-1.
 
The Bearkats are coming off of consecutive Southland victories, after downing the Cardinals, 3-1, and Northwestern State, 3-2, over the weekend.
 
Lamar's loss to Sam Houston was the team's only league match this season.
 
Kayla Mashburn spearheads the Nicholls offensive attack with 164 kills on the season. Alyse Barclay is the facilitator for the Colonels with 353 assists (7.35 per set). Anna Niederhauser has been the team's most versatile player this season. She currently leads Nicholls in service aces (21) and is second in points (164.5), digs (137), kills (135) and sets played (48). Stephanie Tobison (159 digs) and Emily Weimer (24 blocks) pace the Colonel defense.
 
Brooke White (202 kills), Michelle Griffith (582 assists) and Claire Kilpatrick (250 digs) lead the Bearkats' attack.
 
Chelsea Grant and Cortney Moore head the Cardinal offense with 148 and 141 kills respectively. Haley Morton has a team-high 312 assists and Lauren Stahlman paces the squad with 218 digs.
 
Following this weekend's action, Nicholls will return to Thibodaux for the team's first action in Stopher Gym. The Colonels 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.