BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Nicholls State University beach volleyball program (0-2, 0-0 Southland) kicked off the team's second-ever season Friday afternoon at the Blazer Beach Bash, falling in both the opener -- 0-5 against host UAB (3-1, 0-0 C-USA) -- and the mid-afternoon match -- 0-5 versus Coastal Carolina (5-1, 0-0 Sun Belt) -- at the UAB Beach Volleyball Courts in Birmingham, Ala.

"We have worked hard over the last few weeks to prepare for the upcoming season," head coach Kallie Noble said. "For us, we want to continue to build a strong foundation and develop into a successful program. Every player on the roster last year was new to the game, and the five returners to the lineup offer invaluable experience. All four teams competing here are tough squads, and we look to continue challenging ourselves everyday."

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS (L 0-5; L 0-5)
-- While the Colonels never managed to secure a set during either contest, multiple pairings came close to forcing a decisive third, including: Kylie Lockhart & Emily Gauthreaux falling 21-17 against UAB, Devon Bright & Bailey Lyons dropping a 21-18 match versus the Blazers and the duo of Katie Jones & Jaida Felix faltering 21-17 against both UAB and Coastal Carolina.
 
UP NEXT
The Blazer Beach Bash continues in earnest Saturday afternoon, as the Colonels initially square off with Eastern Kentucky at noon before taking on Louisiana-Monroe at 3 p.m. to wrap up the tournament.

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).