Live Stats | Tournament Central | Nicholls Season Preview

THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University volleyball team departed Thursday morning for the North Texas Invitational, its first competition of the 2018 campaign, which commences on Friday.

Nicholls will compete in two matches on Friday and two more on Saturday, beginning with host North Texas at noon. The Colonels will close out opening day against Kent State at 4 p.m. and conclude the event against Grambling (9 a.m.) and Northeastern (1 p.m.) Saturday.

The Red and Gray have a lot to look forward to under first-year head coach Jay Van Vark, returning vets with significant playing time and adding two Division I transfers and four freshmen. The Colonels are searching for their first postseason appearance since 2014.



at North Texas | Friday, Aug. 24 | 10 a.m.

Coming off a historic 2017 season with a 29-4 overall and 13-1 conference record, the Mean Green return Preseason All-Conference USA performers Barbara Teakell and Karley York to a squad chosen to finish fourth in the league.

Nicholls' record vs. North Texas: 3-6
Last outing: L, 0-3 in Wichita, Kan. (Sept. 13, 2003)

vs. Kent State | Friday, Aug. 24 | 4 p.m.

Bringing back eight letterwinners from 2017 including assists leader Natalie Tagala, blocks leader Myla King and six-rotation outside hitter Lexi Mantas, the Flashes were pegged fifth in the MAC East. This is the first-ever meeting between Kent State and Nicholls.

vs. Grambling | Saturday, Aug. 25 | 9 a.m.

Grambling boasts the top-two returning kill leaders in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, senior Kevreion Ward (378) and junior Chasity Nicks (379). Ward, a local product from Belle Rose, Louisiana, fronted the squad with 459.0 points, adding 84 blocks (12 solo, 72 assisted) and 33 service aces.

Nicholls' record vs. Grambling: 8-0
Last outing: W, 3-0 in Grambling, La. (Oct. 4, 2012)

vs. Northeastern | Saturday, Aug. 25 | 1 p.m.

This will also be the first meeting between the Colonels and the Huskies. Highlighted by returners such as 2017 CAA Defensive Player of the Year Gabrielle Eyl and rising setter Samantha Shupe, NU was picked fifth in the 2018 CAA Preseason Poll.

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