NEW ORLEANS – The Nicholls State University volleyball squad dropped a straight-set decision to Oklahoma University Friday in its first match of the Allstate Sugar Bowl Collegiate Volleyball Classic at Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse.

Junior setter Jade Piper earned her second double-double of the season, dishing out 30 assists and digging 12 attacks. Senior outside hitter Stephanie Tobison and junior right-side hitter Brieanna Hill contributed nine kills apiece. Senior middle blocker Emily Weimer added eight kills at an efficient .438 clip.

The Colonels (1-6) nearly matched the Sooners (2-5) in kills at 40-38 but were outmatched in the blocking department as Oklahoma held an 11-3 advantage.

Nicholls was within two points in the opening frame at 19-17 when the Sooners tallied five straight to eventually take the set.

The second set featured 11 ties and three lead changes. With the score tied at 17, a 6-0 Oklahoma run put the Colonels in a 2-0 deficit.

The third and final set was knotted at 10 when the Sooners pulled off four side-out and scores to pull away at 18-13. Weimer smashed five kills in the period, but Nicholls was unable to mount a comeback as Oklahoma closed out the match.

The Colonels return to action Saturday against host Tulane and Southern Miss at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively.

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