THIBODAUX, La. – Junior right-side hitter Brieanna Hill amassed a match-high 13 kills, but the Nicholls State University volleyball squad was downed in straight sets (25-23, 25-17, 25-18) Saturday to McNeese State University at Stopher Gym.

Hill's 13 kills mark the second-highest in a three-set match by a Colonel this season. The Berwick native added 10 digs for her first double-double in league play. Junior setter Jade Piper also contributed a double-double, tallying 18 assists and 10 digs.

The Cowgirls (16-11, 7-5 SLC) were spearheaded offensively by Shanna Spree's 10 kills, but the highlight was libero Angela McGownd, who totaled 21 digs.
The first set featured 11 ties as Hill connected on seven kills. Trailing 21-17, Nicholls (4-21, 2-10 SLC) rallied with four straight points capped by two kills from Hill. Tied at 22, McNeese pushed three of the next four to take the opening frame.

Freshman outside hitter Imanie Williams found four of her 12 kills in the second set, but the Cowgirls swung .400 (11-1-25) on their way to a 25-17 win.

The Colonels trailed 5-1 in the third before a 7-2 run with two kills from Hill and a service ace from senior Sydney Lerille resulted in an 8-7 advantage. Unfortunately, McNeese countered by scoring six of the next seven to take control of the set and eventually close out the match. Nine of Nicholls' 12 kills in the set came via Hill and Williams.

The Colonels continue their three-match home stretch with Southeastern Louisiana Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

For the latest news on Nicholls volleyball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_VB.