Live Stats (Lamar, McNeese) | Video ($, McNeese only)
 
THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University volleyball team is prepped for a two-match road swing at Lamar University Thursday and McNeese State University Saturday.

The Colonels (3-15, 1-4 SLC) had impressive showings last week, recording their first SLC sweep since 2015 over Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday before taking a set 25-16 versus Northwestern State on Saturday. The Red and Gray have taken a set in each of the last three matches.

Senior Brieanna Hill has been Nicholls' driving force offensively as her 144 kills is substantially higher than Heidi Carpenter's 87, the second-highest kill count on the squad.

The Colonels have a nice balance following Hill – Carpenter, sophomore Kimberly Iwunze and freshman Aaliyah Burras each have at least 80, and junior Jennifer Olivarez and freshman Katie Jones have 50-plus. Considering conference play, Burras has contributed 2.5 kills per set at a team-high .354 attacking percentage (45-16-82).

Junior libero Emily Venable has been steady on the backline, totaling double-digit digs in 12 of the last 13 matches. Recording 10-plus digs in two league matches, a healthy Alexa Perry has helped supplement Nicholls' defense.

at Lamar | Oct. 4 | 7 p.m.

The Cardinals (4-11, 1-3 SLC) dropped matches to Abilene Christian, McNeese and Sam Houston State and bested Incarnate Word in four sets to commence conference play. Preseason All-SLC Second Team outside hitter Tomar Thomas boasts a team-high 3.14 kills per set in league matches. Libero Erin Pequeno ranks second in the Southland with 4.86 digs per set.

Nicholls record vs. Lamar: 11-25
Last meeting: W, 3-1 in Beaumont (Oct. 19, 2017)

at McNeese | Oct. 6 | 11 a.m.

The Cowgirls (3-15, 1-2 SLC) are feeling the effects of replacing four starters; Shanna Spree, an All-SLC Second Team performer and the team's top point-scorer, middle blocker Jenny D'Alessandro, setter Adison Giambrone and right-side hitter Rae Myers all started as seniors last season.

McNeese fell in four sets to Abilene Christian and Sam Houston State before topping Lamar in a four-setter. Despite losing Spree, one of the league's best blockers in 2017, the Cowgirls sit second in the conference with 2.7 blocks per set.

Nicholls record vs. McNeese: 17-40
Last meeting: L, 3-0 in Thibodaux (Oct. 28, 2017)

To stay up to date with Nicholls volleyball, follow the team on Instagram and Twitter @Nicholls_VB.