THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University volleyball team utilized stout defense and a balanced offense to defeat Texas A&M-Commerce 4-1 on Thursday night inside a rocking Stopher Gym.
 
The Colonels used the momentum from the home crowd to start strong and hit .407 and coast to a set one victory 25-14.
 
In the second stanza, the Red & Gray attack remained hot as they hit .400 and put together 6-1 run to build a cushion and win the set 25-18.
 
In the third frame, the Lions started strong and build a 9-5 advantage. After that, the teams traded points for most of the set before A&M-Commerce scored four of the final five points to win the set 25-21.
 
After a shaky third set, the Colonel offense returned to form and pieced together four three-point scoring runs in the fourth frame. The Red & Gray used those runs to win the set 25-20.
 
Nicholls utilized a balanced attacked that was paced by two setters and featured three individuals with at least 10 kills.
 
Freshman outside hitter Gracie Campbell led the way with 17 kills and 12 digs to claim her third double-double of the season. Her classmate Autumn Perry finished the contest with 11 kills and one dig shy of a double-double.
 
Junior Kendall Battistella registered 23 assists and nine digs, while freshman Berra Soyler dished 18 helpers and had six digs. Junior libero Rae Leano led the unit with 16 digs and added five assists.
 
Senior middle blocker Jhayla Bolden was a force with 10 kills on 16 attempts to post a team high .625 hitting percentage. She also had three blocks.
 
Sophomore middle blocker Paris Dixon also was a two-way machine for the Colonels as she finished with eight kills and a team high six blocks.
 
Nicholls finished the match with eight service aces and 52 total kills while hitting .211 to snap a 12 match slide and pick up the first Southland Conference victory for head coach Jonea Rima.
 
UP NEXT
The Red & Gray will continue its home stand against Northwestern State on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Hear from Head Coach Jonea Rima & Freshman Outside Hitter Gracie Campbell HERE