THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University volleyball team was beaten in five sets by Northwestern State inside Stopher Gym on Saturday afternoon.
 
In the first set, Nicholls hit .314 and built a lead behind two three-point scoring surges to take the first set 25-21.
 
The second frame was closely contested throughout but the Colonels were able to generate a 23-19 lead and win the set 25-23 after a late push by the Lady Demons.
 
In the third stanza, the Lady Demons started strong and took an 11-6 advantage.  The Colonels put up a fight but fell 25-23.
 
In the fourth set, the Lady Demons went on a late surge and took six of the final seven points to win the set 25-23 and force a winner takes all fifth frame.
 
In the deciding stanza, the Colonels were unable to build momentum and the Lady Demons clinched the match 15-7.
 
The Colonel offense had three freshman and one senior register double figure kills. The attack was paced by freshman Berra Soyler and junior setter Kendall Battistella who finished the contest with 31 and 32 assists, respectively.
 
Freshman outside hitter Autumn Perry led the way with 19 kills while hitting .333 from the field.
 
Freshman outside hitter Gracie Campbell registered her second consecutive double-double with 18 kills and 13 digs, while their classmate Deniz Akgul tallied 14 kills while posting a team-best .345 hitting percentage.
 
Senior middle blocker Jhayla Bolden was a force in the middle with 11 kills and a team-high three blocks. Sophomore middle blocker Paris Dixon added seven kills and two blocks.
 
Junior libero Rae Leano led the unit with 17 digs followed by freshman outside hitter Tierney Terrell (11).
 
UP NEXT
The Red & Gray will conclude their homestand against McNeese on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m.