THIBODAUX, La. – After earning the most non-conference victories since 2021, the Nicholls State University volleyball team will begin Southland Conference play inside Stopher Gym on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6 pm.
 
The Colonels enter the week 5-6 after splitting games with Southern and Grambling last week while the Huskies are 3-8 after playing stiff competition in non-conference action.
 
The Red & Gray offense is spearheaded by Leah Linares Castro who has 135 kills, followed by Makila Billingsley (92) and Tierney Terrell (80). Castro also has a team high 20 service aces. The attack is paced by setter Ava-Claire Calais who has 213 assists.
 
The Colonel defense is anchored by libero Kenley Nonato who has 165 digs, followed by Terrell (113), Billingsley (73), and Calais (65). In the middle, Jordan Gamble is a force at the net with 37 blocks while Khara Morton and Billingsley add 18 and 16 blocks respectively.
 
For the Huskies, setter Grace McLaughlin has 414 assists while running a balanced attack that features four players with over 70 kills. Audrey Pearce leads the unit in kills (130) and blocks (58). Tatiana Evans leads the defense with 142 digs followed by McLaughlin (137).