THIBODAUX, La. -- Following a four-match roadtrip across the state of Texas, the Nicholls State University women's volleyball program (10-11, 4-6 Southland) returns to Thibodaux for the first two contests of a three-game home stand, initially hosting Central Arkansas (10-13, 4-6 Southland) on Halloween Night at 7 p.m. before shifting focus to in-state rival Northwestern State (16-8, 8-2 Southland) on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m..

Individually, the Colonels have leaned on sophomores RS Katie Jones & OH Emily Gauthreaux for the lion's share of the squad's offensive production, as the duo currently accounts for just over 40 percent of all team kills this season. Defensively, senior L Emily Venable continues to hold down the primary digging responsibilities, racking up 300 thus far on the year and moving into fourth on the school's all-time career list for the category (1,150).

WHAT: Nicholls vs. Central Arkansas
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 31 | 7 p.m.
WHERE: Stopher Gym | Thibodaux, La.
MEDIA: Live Stats | Watch

WHAT: Nicholls vs. Northwestern State
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 2 | 1 p.m.
WHERE: Stopher Gym | Thibodaux, La.
MEDIA: Live Stats | Watch

COMPLETE PROGRAM BREAKDOWN
Roster | Schedule | Quick Facts
 

• Kallie Noble enters her first season leading the Colonels, and currently sports a 10-11 (4-6) 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 back-to-back home matchups in Thibodaux, the Red & Gray turn their attention to a split weekend as the Colonels initially host New Orleans next Thursday at 7 p.m. before jumping on the road for a contest at McNeese on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11:30 a.m.

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).