MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Nicholls State University volleyball team picked up victories against Central Michigan and Southern on day two of the Tiger Brawl.
GAME ONE vs Southern (W 3-0) (25-21, 25-16, 25-16)
The Colonels dominated the Lady Jaguars in the second and third sets to coast to victory. The offensive output was distributed nicely with the veterans leading the way. Senior S'mara Riley tallied 14 kills, while classmates Katie Jones and Devon Bright registered seven and six kills, respectively. The offense was paced by setters sophomore Kendall Battistella and senior Lilly Bivens, who combined for 31 assists.
Defensively, sophomore Kadie Becnel stayed active, posting 19 digs. Additionally Riley and Bright recorded four and three blocks, respectively.
The first set was a back-and-forth affair that saw six ties and numerous lead changes. The second and third sets however were dominated by the Colonels. Nicholls jumped out to a quick 7-2 advantage in the second set, had an 11-point lead at two different points, and eventually won the set 25-16.
GAME TWO vs Central Michigan (W 3-2) (25-22, 25-22, 26-24, 25-4, 17,15)
Nicholls jumped out to a 2-0 set lead before a closely contested third set went Central Michigan's way. The fourth set was all Chippewas as they jumped out 15-0 advantage and eventually claimed the set to set up a do-or-die fifth set. In the fifth set, the score was knotted at 10 before the teams traded points until the Colonels were able to get the two-point lead for the win.
Two Colonels finished the contest with double-doubles. Senior Devon Bright had 15 kills and 11 digs, while sophomore Trinity Vinzant registered 12 kills and 12 digs. Also notching double-digit kills was senior S'mara Riley who finished with 11. Setting up the Nicholls offense was senior Lilly Bivens and sophomore Kendall Battistella who combined for 47 assists.
The Colonel's defense got major contributions from libero Kadie Becnel who recorded 14 digs. The Nicholls defense was anchored by senior pin blocker Katie Jones and freshman middle blocker Paris Dixon each claimed three blocks.
ALL-TOURNAMENT SELECTIONS
For their efforts all weekend, Bright and Riley were named to the all-tournament team. Bright posted two double-doubles including her career high of 26 kills against Memphis on Friday. Riley recorded one double-double and had a team-high 14 kills in the win over Southern.
UP NEXT
The Colonels return home and host the Colonel Classic where they welcome Southern, UC-San Diego, and Southern Illinois.
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).
