THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University volleyball squad played two close sets with Sam Houston State University before being downed 26-24, 25-21, 25-13, Thursday night at Stopher Gym.

Freshman outside hitter Imanie Williams fronted the Colonels (2-17, 0-6 SLC) attack with 10 kills, the sixth time this season in double figures. Junior setter Jade Piper added 17 assists and 10 digs for her fourth double-double, and sophomore libero Emily Venable chipped in a match-high 15 digs.

The Bearkats (8-9, 5-0 SLC) were spearheaded offensively by Brooke White's 13 kills. SHSU was limited to 37 kills on a .192 attacking percentage, both low marks in league play.

Nicholls seemed to have control of the first set after a kill from senior outside hitter Stephanie Tobison made it 23-19. The Bearkats responded with five straight points, and a kill from Taylor Cunningham at 25-24 gave SHSU some a one-set lead.

Williams slammed a kill late in the second set to make it 21-all, but SHSU again countered, this time with four points in a row, to close out the set. Williams smashed four kills in the second frame.

The turning point in the deciding set came at 7-7 when the Bearkats tallied 18 of the next 24 points to seal the match.

The Colonels return to action Friday against Abilene Christian. First serve at Stopher Gym is set for 7 p.m. CT.   
  
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