HOUSTON, Texas -- The Nicholls State University indoor volleyball program (7-8, 0-3 SLC) struggled to cultivate any consistent rhythm across both contests of a Southland weekend roadtrip, initially faltering by a final 3-1 to in-state rival McNeese (8-6, 2-1 SLC) on Thursday evening in Lake Charles, La. before stumbling in straight sets to Houston Baptist (12-5, 3-0 SLC) early Saturday afternoon in Houston, Texas.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
GAME ONE at McNeese (L 1-3) -- Thursday, Sept. 30
-- After dropping the opening set by a slim margin, the Colonels looked prepared to turn things around behind a solid four-point victory in the second frame; however, a resilient McNeese squad battled back with a resurgent effort in the third and fourth, displacing the Red & Gray by nine- and 11-point margins en route to the victory.
-- Individually, seniors Emily Gauthreaux and Kate Hoerdemann paced the team offensively, racking up a combined 20 kills with just a joint five errors; meanwhile, junior Lilly Bivens and freshman Brooke Weichbrodt put in near-even contributions as the squad's setters, logging a total 31 assists between the pair.
-- Defensively, sophomore Jhayla Bolden impressed behind a career-best six blocks while both Bivens and senior Kylie Lockart led the team with seven digs apiece.

GAME TWO at Houston Baptist (L 0-3) -- Saturday, Oct. 2
-- While the Red & Gray consistently managed to keep frames within reach, the Huskies never relinquished control as they outgunned the Colonels by six-, four- and four-points across a straight-sets sweep.
-- Individually, junior Devon Bright shined off the bench as she recorded a team-best 13 kills while Bivens reclaimed her title as the squad's primary setter, tacking on 27 assists for the match.
-- Defensively, Lockhart set the tone with a solid 15 digs while Bivens collected 13 of her own, clinching her notable sixth double-double of the season.
 
UP NEXT
With the quick road trek officially closed out, the Red & Gray return home for four consecutive contests within the friendly confines of Stopher Gym, initially hosting the Lone Star duo of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and UIW on Oct. 7 & 9, respectively.

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