THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University volleyball team is set to make its season debut this weekend as the squad travels to Birmingham, Ala. for three games at the Samford Invitational.
 
The Colonels will open the year against the host Bulldogs at 12 p.m. on Friday, before battling South Alabama at 4:30 p.m. that evening. Nicholls will conclude the weekend with a 1 p.m. matchup against Indiana State on Saturday.
 
The Colonels went 9-19 over their 2015 campaign, but came on strong down the stretch, winning three of their final four contests. Nicholls returns the core of last year's squad, including 2016 Southland Conference Preseason First-Team honoree Kaci Eaton. The Colonels also added nine newcomers, who will look to make an instant impact, as the team is poised for a resurgent season.
 
Samford finished 15-12 in 2015, going 2-1 against Southland opponents. The Bulldogs defeated SFA and McNeese, but fell to Houston Baptist.
 
South Alabama posted a 13-15 record last year, defeating both McNeese and Houston Baptist.
 
Indiana State turned in a 17-19 mark last season.
 
Following this weekend's action, Nicholls will return home to host Southern at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
 
All home volleyball matches are offered absolutely free.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls volleyball visit geauxcolonels.com. Be sure to follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_VB.