FULL SOUTHLAND SHOWCASE RESULTS
COVINGTON, La. - The Nicholls State University beach volleyball program ended its first season of competition with a near upset of Abilene Christian, falling 3-2 Saturday afternoon to close out the Southland Showcase at the Digs Volleyball Complex.
The Colonels had the best showing of their rookie campaign, winning on Courts 1 and 3 against the Wildcats.
Emily Weimer and
Emily Venable knocked off ACU's top duo of Katelyn Mueller/Eighmy Dobbins in three sets, 19-21, 21-17, 15-9, while
Katie Jones and
Jennifer Olivarez topped Amy Weiss/Kennedy Shelstead, 21-17, 21-14.
ACU won at No. 2 and 4 and the match came down to Court 5.
Kimberly Iwunze and
Meghan Wozniak hung close against Sofia Resendiz/Lindsey Toney but were ultimately edged in straight sets, 21-19, 25-23.
Although the Colonels came up short in all of their matches in their inaugural season, first-year head coach
Kallie Noble came away very pleased with the team's progression.
"This season exceeded my expectations by far, and I have to give credit to our players. Every day they came in, worked hard and did whatever I asked of them," Coach Noble said. "It was a new experience for all of us. We had a few players that had some beach experience, however, for the most part, we were a team made up of indoor players. I am very pleased with how we progressed over the course of the season. Being a first-year program, there were lots of unknowns, but this group of players rose to the challenge."
The Beach squad consisted of just three upperclassmen - juniors Venable and Olivarez, and Weimer, who competed as a graduate student after lettering from 2014-17 for the indoor team.
EMILY VENABLE ON HER FIRST SEASON OF BEACH
This season has been an amazing learning experience. Coming into the sport, I thought that I would only have to adjust a few things because it's still volleyball right? Wrong. Beach is a whole new world. I think this season has taught all of us the value of communication, court awareness, and ball control. I grew closer to my teammates and I loved playing with all my partners. I'm so glad to have finished the season with my best friend (Weimer), and I wish her all the best in her future as a has-been.
There were ups and downs, but remaining open to learning was the key to success. This first beach season has been one filled with laughter, a lot of sand, and a lot of bad tan lines. I wouldn't want to spend this season with any other group of girls. I love my team and coaches and can't wait to see what the future holds for this program. Geaux Colonels!
QUOTE FROM EMILY WEIMER
It was fun to learn about beach volleyball. Just like any new thing you begin to play it had its ups and downs. But as a team, we learned and grew together. Over the course of about 10 weeks, there was a change of culture and improvement through the whole team. Everyone began to help each other with shots and our competitive natures came out. Everyone wanted to win and would go for any ball for a chance to get another chance against our opponents.
Today was a whirlwind of emotions. Playing the last game of my career with my best friend as my partner. I'm thankful for the opportunity to play volleyball again and learn from Kallie and all of my teammates. I'm excited to see where this team will be in the fall and in the spring for both indoor and outdoor. I believe they can leave a mark in conference on both indoor and outdoor.
SATURDAY'S RESULT
Abilene Christian 3, Nicholls 2
1.
Emily Weimer/
Emily Venable (NICH) def. Katelyn Mueller/Eighmy Dobbins (ACU) 19-21, 21-17, 15-9
2. Hunter Barker/Mackenzie Harris (ACU) def.
Kylie Lockhart/
Emily Gauthreaux (NICH) 21-18, 21-16
3.
Katie Jones/
Jennifer Olivarez (NICH) def. Amy Weiss/Kennedy Shelstead (ACU) 21-17, 21-14
4. Marybeth Sandercox/Brittney Roberts (ACU) def.
Sydney Swann/
Aaliyah Burras (NICH) 21-13, 21-18
5. Sofia Resendiz/Lindsey Toney (ACU) def.
Kimberly Iwunze/
Meghan Wozniak (NICH) 21-19, 25-23
Ext.
Maddie Lowe/
Lydia Frederick (NICH) vs. Madison Rohre/Peyten Boutwell (ACU) 11-21, 21-17, 15-16, unfinished
Match Notes:
Order of finish: Doubles (4,1,2,3,5);
