THIBODAUX, La. -- After knocking off Abilene Christian on Thursday evening, the Nicholls State University women's volleyball program (9-7, 3-2 Southland) aims to make a quick turnaround prior to a Saturday morning match with conference opponent UIW (4-15, 0-5 Southland), first serve against the Cardinals set for 10 a.m. at Stopher Gym in Thibodaux, La.

Despite a decent start to the 2019 campaign -- including season debut victory over Louisiana-Lafayette and a home win against Northern Illinois -- UIW has faltered thus far into league competition, dropping the team's first five contests with three coming by a straight-set sweeps. Oppositely, the Colonels have bolted out to the program's best Southland start in recent memory, as the current 3-2 mark serves as the first above .500 record for the Red & Gray since the 2014 season (3-2 through five matches).

Individually, Nicholls continues to find offensive rhythm from sophomores RS Katie Jones & OH Emily Gauthreaux, both of which exceed 160 total kills on the season and average 2.73 kills per set or better. Defensively, senior L Emily Venable & junior OH Kate Hoerdemann have anchored the squad, each averaging over 3.00 digs per set, while sophomore MB Aaliyah Burras has managed a majority of the blocking responsibilities, racking up 53.0 on the year.

WHAT: Nicholls vs. UIW
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 12 | 10 a.m.
WHERE: Stopher Gym | Thibodaux, Louisiana
MEDIA: Live Stats | Watch

COMPLETE PROGRAM BREAKDOWN
Roster | Schedule | Quick Facts
 

• Kallie Noble enters her first season leading the Colonels, and currently sports a 9-7 (3-2) overall record with the Red & Gray.
• The team boasts two seniors: DS Emily Venable and OH Jennifer Olivarez.
• This year's roster is highlighted by eight newcomers, as junior OH Kate Hoerdemann joined the program as transfer from Memphis while freshmen DS Rebecka Bollinger, OH Devon Bright, DS Bailey Lyons, OH Jackie Alanis, S Lilly Bivens, OH/S Jaida Felix and MB Abigail Bouzigard signed on directly from high school.
• This season's depth chart features seven players from across the state of Louisiana, six from Texas, a pair from Illinois and one from each of the following: Georgia, Indiana, Missouri and South Carolina.
• The Colonels were projected to finish 12th in the Southland Conference, per the league's preseason poll.
• Nicholls returns four of last season's seven starters, including senior DS Emily Venable, junior MB Kimberly Iwunze and sophomores MB Aaliyah Burras & RS/OH Katie Jones.

UP NEXT
Following the conclusion of the two-match home stand, the Red & Gray pack their bags for the team's longest Southland roadtrip of the season, traveling to Stephen F. Austin & Lamar this upcoming Thursday & Saturday, respectively, before hitting both Texas A&M-Corpus Christi & Sam Houston State the ensuing weekend.

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonels Volleyball, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_VB), Instagram (@nicholls_vb) and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Volleyball).