THIBODAUX, La. –After securing double digit nonconference victories, the Nicholls State University women's volleyball team (10-3) will begin Southland Conference competition on the road at New Orleans on Thursday Sept. 25.
 
Nicholls is having one of the best starts to a season in program history. However, the unit is on a two game slide after dropping matches to Southern (2-3) and Louisiana (3-0) at the Ragin' Cajun Classic.
 
Along with the eight sweeps this season, the Colonels have secured the most non-conference victories to start a season since 2011 (13). In terms of winning percentage this is the best start a Red & Gray squad has posted its most wins in a single season since 2021 (11).
 
Heading into Southland Conference play, the Colonels' balanced offense is paced by setter Isabella Padilla who has accumulated 403 assists. Padilla ranks second in the SLC in assists per set (9.40). She has often setup outside hitter Tamara Chavez who leads the Red & Gray with 193 kills. Chavez ranks first in the league in kills per set (4.77) and points per set (5.18).
 
Defensively, the Colonels are anchored by the duo of libero Karina Smith and defensive specialist Ava-Claire Calais who have 122 and 103 digs, respectively. Padilla is also active in the middle of the floor as she totals 101 digs while Chavez has 87. Middle blockers Harper Holden and Ana Clara Valentim do Vale control the action at the net with 48 and 22 total blocks.
 
New Orleans is on a three-game losing streak as they finished non-conference action 5-8 after going winless at the Pelican Invitational. Southeastern is on a three-game winning streak and is 8-4 overall after picking up victories over LMU, New Hampshire, and Southern.