After an impressive showing at the Tiger Brawl in Memphis, the Nicholls State University volleyball program (2-1) is looking to keep the momentum rolling as hosts of the Colonel Classic that will feature in-state foe Southern (0-3), UC San Diego (2-1,) and Southern Illinois (1-2) at Stopher Gym from Friday, Sept. 2 through Saturday, Sept. 3.
Weekend Information:
On Friday, the action begins with Nicholls hosting Southern at 10 a.m. Then Southern Illinois will face UC San Diego and Southern at noon and 4 p.m., respectively, followed by Nicholls hosting another match against UC San Diego at 6 p.m. On Saturday UC San Diego will play Southern at 10 a.m. followed by Nicholls playing Southern Illinois at noon to close out the weekend.
Nicholls Court:
The Colonels showcased a well-rounded team with some players that can do damage in multiple ways. Offensively, they are led by senior
Devon Bright who was an all-tournament selection at the Tiger Brawl after registering totals of 47 kills, 33 digs, seven aces, and seven blocks. She posted two double-doubles including a career-high 26 kills and 16 digs performance against Memphis. The outside hitter's second double-double came against Central Michigan in a thrilling five-set victory where she tallied 15 kills and 11 digs.
Sophomore
Trinity Vinzant also provided reinforcements on both sides of the ball. Like Bright, she posted double-doubles against Memphis and Central Michigan. Against the Tigers, she finished with 13 kills and 14 digs, and against the Chippewas, she tallied 12 kills and 12 digs.
Senior
Lilly Bivens and sophomore
Kendall Battistella split time as setters for the Colonels' attack. Battistella finished the Tiger Brawl with 64 assists and Bivens added 61.
Defensively for Nicholls, senior
S'mara Riley earned all-tournament honors at Memphis for her 30 kills and eight blocks. Sophomore libero
Kadie Becnel paced the team in digs with 48, and freshman
Paris Dixon added eight blocks.
Southern Court:
The Lady Jaguars are coming off a tough three-game weekend at the Tiger Brawl, where they only captured one set and were defeated by Eastern Washington, Memphis, and the Colonels. Southern's offense is led by freshman outside hitter Janelle Pye-Blacknard who recorded a team-high 18 kills. Also, a major factor for the Lady Jaguars is Freshman setter Jordan Felix who registered 16 kills, 16 assists, and 25 digs.
Defensively they are led by sophomore defensive specialist Trenity Lundy who tallied 41 digs while Pye-Blacknard had 20. Additionally, freshman middle blocker Kailee Deffebaugh recorded 11 blocks.
UC San Diego Court:
The Tritons come in off an impressive outing at the San Diego State Invitational where they dropped a contest to San Diego State but won matches against Army West Point and California. The UCSD attack is spearheaded by sophomore outside hitter Ava Mclnnes who recorded 44 kills and seven service aces. The Tritons' offense is set up by junior setter Izzi Strand who has crossed the century mark (106) for total assists in just three matches. Defensively, they are led by senior libero Naya Dong, who has tied with Strand for a team-high 39 digs. Middle blockers junior Shara Da Silva and sophomore Emily McDaniel lead the team in blocks with 18 and 15, respectively.
Southern Illinois Court:
The Salukis are coming in fresh off a victory against the University of Tennessee at Martin and defeat at the hands of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Grambling State at the Saluki Bash. The SIU attack has multiple individuals that can do damage. The outside hitters lead the scoring output for the Salukis with junior Tatum Tornatta at the top with 40 kills, while freshman Ceci Bulmahn has tallied 36, and senior Nataly Garcia has recorded 29 thus far. Sophomore setter Anna Jaworski paces the offense with 110 assists. Defensively, the team is led by freshman defensive specialists Claudia Bobb and Bulmahn who have 41 and 28 digs, respectively. While junior middle hitter Imani Hartfield and Tornatta have 11 and 10 digs, respectively.
UP NEXT
After closing out the weekend against Southern, UC San Diego, and Southern Illinois, the Red & Grey will travel to Jacksonville State for the Gamecock Classic (Sept. 9-10) and then to the University of Wyoming to play in the UNIWYO Invite (Sept. 15-16).
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