THIBODAUX, La. -- Just two days after kicking off the 2021 spring campaign, the Nicholls State University women's volleyball program (0-1, 0-0 SLC) aims to bounce back from a tough season-opening loss at non-conference opponent Southern Miss in a Thursday evening clash against in-state rival New Orleans (1-2, 1-0 SLC), hosting the Privateers at Stopher Gym in what will serve as both the Red & Gray's home and Southland tipoff, first serve set for 7 p.m.

Despite dropping Tuesday afternoon's match at Southern Miss, the Colonels have set their sights on a positive league start, squaring off with UNO for the first time since ousting the Privateers in a tight 3-2 barnburner late last year. Notably, then-sophomores OH Emily Gauthreaux and RS Katie Jones composed elite performances on the attack, racking up a combined 41 kills in a season second-best effort for the former and a year-high for the latter.

WHAT: Nicholls vs. New Orleans
WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 4 | 7 p.m.
WHERE: Stopher Gym | Thibodaux, La.
MEDIA: Live Stats | Watch

COMPLETE PROGRAM BREAKDOWN
Roster | Schedule | Quick Facts
 

• Kallie Noble remains in her second season leading the Colonels, and currently sports a 11-17 (5-11) overall record with the Red & Gray.
• The team boasts four seniors: S Meghan Wozniak, MB Lydia Frederick, OH Kate Hoerdemann and OH Olivia Turner.
• This year's roster is highlighted by four newcomers, as senior OH Olivia Turner (Northern Arizona) and junior MB Nina Finderle (Polk State) joined the program as transfers while freshmen MB Jhayla Bolden and RS Yani Johnson signed on directly from high school.
• This season's depth chart features five players from across the state of Louisiana, four out of Texas, a pair from Illinois and one from each of the following: Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri and even Croatia.
• The Colonels were projected to finish 10th in the Southland Conference, per the league's preseason poll.
• Nicholls returns five of last season's seven starters, including seniors S Meghan Wozniak and OH Kate Hoerdemann along with juniors OH Emily Gauthreaux, MB Aaliyah Burras and RS/OH Katie Jones.

UP NEXT
Following the home and league opener against New Orleans, the Red & Gray face a two-game Southland road stretch at in-state foes McNeese and Southeastern Louisiana, traveling to battle the Cowgirls on Saturday, Feb. 6 before heading north to Hammond, La. on Tuesday, Feb. 9 to square off with the Lady Lions.

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).