NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Despite facing a raucous crowd and highly-disciplined opponent, the Nicholls State University volleyball program (10-8, 4-3 Southland) put up a sturdy fight Thursday evening against Stephen F. Austin (19-1, 7-0 Southland), challenging the undefeated Goliath of the Southland Conference in a 3-0 sweep that proved closer in reality than on the final stat sheet. For just the second time in the Ladyjacks' 31-set win streak (vs. Prairie View, Sept. 20), the Colonels pushed two sets to a margin within four, forcing an SFA squad accustomed to set victories by eight or more to grind out the actual win.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS (L 0-3)
-- The Red & Gray played with Stephen F. Austin throughout the entirety of the first set, coming as close as two points (23-21 SFA) late in the period before the Ladyjacks sealed the eventual victory. A bumpy second (25-12) cemented the Ladyjacks' confidence entering the decisive third and, even though the Colonels challenged once again, SFA managed to clinch the match win by a 25-21 mark.
-- Junior OH Kate Hoerdemann led the way offensively behind the team's only double-digit kill performance (13) while the usual weapons -- sophomores RS Katie Jones & OH Emily Gauthreaux -- were contained by a consistent Ladyjack defensive effort, combining for just 13 kills on the night.
-- A consistent approach from junior S Meghan Wozniak saw a dominant showing in her usual category: assists, racking up 25 for the match along with eight digs & two kills.
-- Defensively, senior L Emily Venable closed out the match with a team-best 12 digs, moving to fifth all-time in program history for the category.

UP NEXT
With the SFA trip concluded, the Colonels aim to wrap up the weekend on a high note, traveling Saturday afternoon to Beaumont, Texas to face Lamar, first serve set for 1 p.m.

STAY SOCIAL
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