THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University volleyball squad fell in straight sets, 25-13, 25-17, 25-11, to the University of Central Arkansas Saturday in its season finale at Stopher Gym.

The Colonels (3-26, 1-15 SLC) were fronted offensively by sophomore Sydney Swann's five kills. Senior Brieanna Hill and freshman Katie Jones contributed four kills apiece.

The Sugar Bears (24-5, 14-2 SLC) fired 41 kills on a .421 clip compared to Nicholls' 18 (.051). Haley Tippett totaled a match-high 14 kills and Samantha Anderson tallied 11 (.688). UCA also held advantages in aces (11-3) and blocks (6.0-2.0).

In the first set the Sugar Bears started fast, taking a 6-2 lead due to an early five-point run that closed with back-to-back Anderson kills. UCA managed another five-point run later in the frame thanks to three straight service aces from Amanda Dimon and finished on an 8-3 run to claim the first set 25-13.  

The Colonels trailed 16-11 in the second set when the Sugar Bears scored five consecutive points capped by a Tippett slam to widen the margin to 21-11. Nicholls earned six of the next eight points to make it 23-17, but UCA iced the set with two straight points as Dimon recorded her fifth service ace of the match to give the Sugar Bears a 2-0 set advantage. Freshman Maddie Lowe accumulated three kills in three attempts during the second set.

UCA closed the match with a dominating 25-11 victory in the deciding set, highlighted by a six-point scoring barrage midway through the set that gave it a 14-5 advantage. The Sugar Bears limited the Colonels to just four kills and forced six errors in the final set.

This concludes the 2018 season for Nicholls.

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