THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University volleyball team lost its first two Southland Conference matches to HCU and Northwestern State over the weekend.
 
GAME ONE: HCU (3) @ Nicholls (1) (20-25, 25-13, 25-14, 25-17)
 
In Thursday night's action in Thibodaux, the Colonels started strong by taking the first set 25-20. However, the offense struggled in the other three sets as the unit hit .086 for the match.
 
The Red & Gray attack was paced by setters Ava-Claire Calais and Evelyn Tivino Espinosa who dished 20 and 14 assists. The pair distributed a balanced attack that saw Leah Linares Castro register 10 kills, followed by Makila Billingsley (9) and Tierney Terrell (7).
 
The Colonel defensive unit was anchored by libero Kenley Nonato who tallied 22 digs while Terrell and Calais added 13 and 12 respectively. In the middle, Khara Morton accumulated five blocks while Castro and Billingsley combined for six.
 
GAME TWO:  Nicholls (0) @ Northwestern State (3) (20-25, 21-25, 19-25)
 
In Saturday's contest in Natchitoches, the Colonel offense was led by Olivia Lunt and Billingsley who had eight kills apiece while Castro added six. Calais and Espinosa combined for 25 assists.
 
Defensively, Calais had seven digs while Terrell and Nonato had six apiece. In the middle, Jordan Gamble and Morton had three blocks apiece and Billingsly added two.
 
UP NEXT
The Red & Gray (5-8, 0-2 SLC) will host UNO on Thursday, Oct. 3. The action from Stopher Gymnasium will begin at 6:30 p.m.