THIBODAUX, La. -- The Nicholls State University volleyball program (0-2, 0-1 SLC) struggled to find any consistent rhythm throughout Thursday evening's rivalry bout against New Orleans (2-2, 2-0 SLC), faltering by a final 3-0 straight sets sweep to the Privateers in the Red & Gray's home and Southland Conference opener at Stopher Gym.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS (L 0-3)
-- Despite the Colonels fighting to stay within striking range during every set, Nicholls never truly managed to threaten for a decent lead, falling behind in each frame midway through and not recovering quick enough to slow down the Privateers. The best Red & Gray opportunity came in the opening set (25-21), but even then the Colonels didn't even break the 20-point plateau till UNO had already staked a potential set point.
-- Individually, junior Emily Gauthreaux put in her best performance of the season thus far, scoring the squad's first double-digit kill mark (11) on a .182 hitting percentage. Meanwhile, senior Kate Hoerdemann continued her balanaced offensive-defensive approach, notching six kills with eight digs to go along with a pair of block assists.
-- Senior Meghan Wozniak along with sophomores Lilly Bivens and Jaida Felix shared the setting role, accumulating 33 assists on the night between the trio.
-- Defensively, junior Kylie Lockhart impressed behind a season-high 14 digs, consistently keeping tough balls in play.
-- Junior transfer Nina Finderle saw her first DI collegiate action as she jumped into the starting lineup in both the second and third sets, finishing with one block assist. Meanwhile, sophomore Bailey Lyons grabbed her first action of the year as well, picking up one dig.
 
UP NEXT
With the home and league opener against New Orleans concluded, the Colonels shift focus to a quick road clip at in-state foes McNeese and Southeastern Louisiana, trekking west to battle the Cowgirls on Saturday, Feb. 6 before heading up to Hammond, La. for a rivalry match with the Lady Lions on Tuesday, Feb. 9.

STAY SOCIAL
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