THIBODAUX, La. –The Nicholls State University volleyball team dropped two conference matches. First, they were defeated by McNeese on Thursday and then by Southeastern on Saturday.

GAME ONE at McNEESE (3-0 L) (25-22, 25-16, 25-20)
The Colonels started the match strong going on separate multipoint runs to go up 15-13. After that, the Cowgirls answered with a four-point run before eventually taking four of the final six points to win the set 25-22.

In the second set, McNeese started with a quick 3-0 run before Nicholls took six of the next seven points to take the lead 6-4. The Cowgirls then went on two separate three-point runs to swing the momentum and run away with the set 25-16.

The final set saw Nicholls jump out to an 8-6 advantage before McNeese answered with two three-point runs before they ultimately won the set 25-20.

Offensively, the Red & Gray was led by two senior outside hitters that finished the match with double-digit points. Katie Jones recorded 13 kills on a .316 percentage, while Devon Bright stuffed the stat sheet with nine kills, eight digs, and one service ace. Freshman outside hitter Mackenzie Pryor registered seven kills and two block assists while hitting .278 from the field. Sophomore outside hitter Trinity Vinzant tallied six kills, 14 digs, and three block assists.

Both Colonel setters stayed active and recorded double-doubles. Senior Lilly Bivens had 18 assists and 15 digs, while freshman Taylor Heeb finished with 13 assists and 12 digs, respectively. Sophomore libero Kadie Becnel added 11 digs and five assists.

GAME TWO vs SOUTHEASTERN (3-1 L) (25-14, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22)
The opening set saw the Lady Lions jump to a 12-2 lead before the Colonels went on a five-point run to score 14-8. After that, the Lady Lions answered with their five-point run to stretch the lead to 23-11 before finishing the set 25-14.

In the second set, Southeastern scored five out of the final six points to win the set 25-18. The third frame was a back-and-forth affair before Nicholls went on a four-point run to take the lead 20-16, never looking back and eventually winning the set 25-21.

Southeastern started the final set with a 6-1 lead before the Colonels closed the gap and tied the set at 16. The Lady Lions scored three of the final four points and fended off the Colonels 25-22.

The Colonel attack featured three individuals with double-digit kills. Bright and Jones led the way with 13 apiece, while Pryor followed with 12. All three of them hit at least .300 from the field.

The Nicholls attack was paced by three-setters. Bivens spearheaded the passing with 25 assists, while Heeb and sophomore Kendall Battistella combined for 19 helpers.
Vinzant and Becnel anchored the defense with 12 and 11 digs, respectively. Senior Middle blocker S'mara Riley claimed two solo blocks, while Vinzant, Bright, and freshman middle blocker Paris Dixon each had one. Pryor and Riley each finished the contest with four block assists.

UP NEXT
The Colonels cross state lines and look to get back on track with matches at Lamar and Texas A&M-Commerce on Nov. 1 and 3.

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonels Indoor & Beach Volleyball, follow both teams on Twitter (@Nicholls_VB), Instagram (@nicholls_vb), and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Volleyball).