GRAMBLING, La – The Nicholls State University volleyball program is off to its best start since 2021 after sweeping Grambling on Tuesday night.
 
Nicholls kept its momentum from the opening weekend of the season to start 3-0 for the first time since 2021. The Colonel offense posted 10 more kills and hit an outstanding .407 in the third set to clinch their second consecutive sweep.
 
The Red & Gray offense was paced by setter Isabella Padilla whole dished 28 assists. Karina Smith chipped in with six assists and a team high six service aces.
 
The Colonels' attack was spearheaded by Tierney Terrell who had 12 kills followed by Madison Smith (9) and Tamara Chavez (6). Harper Holden and Ana Clara Valentim do Vale added four kills apiece.
 
Nicholls defense forced Grambling to post negative hitting percentages in the first two sets as the Tigers hit .050 for the contest. The defense was anchored by Madison Smith, Ava-Claire Calais, and Karina Smith who registered nine digs apiece.
 
At the net, the unit posted 16 blocks with Holden leading the way with five. Chavez and Valentim do Vale each had three, while Terrell and Madison Smith had two apiece. Paddilla added one block and seven digs.
 
UP NEXT
The Red & Gray will return to action in Nashville, Tennessee where they will compete against Tennessee State, Belmont, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the Belmont Invitational.