THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team will play three road matches this week beginning in Lake Charles against McNeese on Tuesday Oct. 8, followed by a trip to Hammond to face Southeastern (Oct. 10). The Colonels wrap up the week at UNO on Saturday (Oct. 12).
 
Last week, the Colonels improved to 6-8 and earned the first Southland Conference victory of the season as they swept UNO at home behind an offensive unit that registered 53 kills and hit .339 percent from the field.
 
McNeese enters the matchup 5-10 overall and 1-2 in league action after sweeping UNO last week. Southeastern is currently on a 12-game winning streak and will host the Privateers on Tuesday night before battling the Colonels on Thursday. UNO enters the week 2-14 overall and will play at Southeastern on Tuesday and host McNeese on Thursday.
 
The Red & Gray offense is spearheaded by Leah Linares Castro who has 160 kills, followed by Makila Billingsley (117) and Tierney Terrell (108). Castro also has a team high 20 service aces. The attack is paced by setters Ava-Claire Calais and Evelyn Trivino Espinosa who has 260 and 131 assists.
 
The Colonel defense is anchored by libero Kenley Nonato who has 209 digs, followed by Terrell (137), and Billingsley (80). In the middle, Jordan Gamble is a force at the net with 45 blocks while Khara Morton and Billingsley add 22 and 16 blocks respectively.