THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University volleyball team began the 2025 SLC-SWAC Challenge with a 3-0 victory over Alabama A&M University to improve to 6-1 on the season.
 
Nicholls controlled most of the action in the first two sets as the Colonels took the first stanza 25-23 after tallying seven more kills than the Bulldogs. The Red & Gray kept their momentum rolling into the second set as they won it 25-20. However, in the third set the Colonels had to rally from a 23-19 deficit late in the set to ultimately win the frame in exciting fashion, 29-27.
 
The Colonels offense was paced effortlessly by setter Isabella Padilla who dished 38 assists while adding 11 digs defensively to register a double-double.
 
Also recording a double-double was Tamara Chavez who led the Red & Gray attack as she posted 21 kills along with a team-best 12 digs. Madison Smith was strong for the Colonels' offense as she tallied 13 kills followed by Tierney Terrell who had six.
 
The Red & Gray defense was anchored in the middle by Ana Clara Valentim do Vale led the way with five blocks followed by Harper Holden (4) and M. Smith (3). Nicholls libero Karina Smith finished with 12 digs followed by Padilla (11), M. Smith (9), and Ava-Claire Calais (7).
 
UP NEXT
The Red & Gray (6-1) will host Arkansas – Pine Bluff in day two of the SLC-SWAC Challenge on Friday, Sept. 12 at 4 pm.