HAMMOND, La. – The Nicholls State University volleyball team came up short in its bid for its first victory in conference play as the Colonels were defeated, 3-1 (25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 25-18), by Southeastern Louisiana on Tuesday at the University Center.
 
Emily Weimer led the way with nine kills on an outstanding .571 hitting percentage, and Kali Schwartz added nine kills as well. As a team, the Colonels (5-17, 0-6 SLC) hit .145 on the night, despite a .323 clip in the opening set.
 
Down 1-0, the Colonels evened up the match with a six-point victory in the second set. Nicholls trailed, 16-13, to Southeastern (3-15, 2-3 SLC) before a timeout energized the squad, leading to a set-clinching 12-3 run. The Colonels blocked three attacks during the run and finished the night with eight.
 
In the final two sets, Nicholls could not hang on to a 20-17 lead in the third before an early 8-4 deficit in the fourth proved to be too much to overcome.
 
Jade Piper led the team with 16 assists and two aces. Alexa Perry had 17 digs, Kaci Eaton added eight kills and Sydney Lerille totaled three blocks.
 
The Colonels will return to the court to face McNeese on Saturday, Oct. 15 in Lake Charles. First serve is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.