THIBODAUX, La. –The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team will host Northwestern State (Oct. 15) and East Texas A&M (Oct. 17). First serve against the Lady Demons from Stopher Gym is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and the action will be streamed via ESPN+. The first serve against the Lions is slated for 11 a.m.
 
Nicholls (9-10, 2-4 SLC) split road matches last week. The Colonels picked up a road victory at LSU New Orleans (3-1) and dropped a road contest against Southeastern (3-0).
 
The Red & Gray have a balanced offensive strategy as they have five players with at least 100 kills. Kera Arrington leads the unit with 185 kills followed by Zahahrah Edwards-Wyllie (126), Maya Schirmer (112), Madison Smith (102), and Harper Holden (100). The offense is paced by setters Isabella Padilla and Jenna Cicherski who have 501 and 180 assists, respectively.
 
The Colonel defense is anchored by libero Natalia Navarro who has 301 digs. Padilla and defensive specialist Lizzie Kraft add 135 and 130 digs for the unit. Schirmer leads the team in blocks with 64 followed by Holden who has 39.
 
Northwestern State (11-10, 3-3 SLC) split home matches last week. The Lady Demons were swept by UTRGV before beating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (3-1). NSU's offense is led by Elisie Sanchez and Olivia Nzioki who have 236 and 206 kills, respectively. Jade Longlad paces the attack with 676 assists. Emmarie McFarland has 353 digs and Nzioki has 66 blocks for the Lady Demon defense.
 
East Texas A&M (8-11, 2-4 SLC) enters the week on a three-match losing streak after dropping home matches against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and UTRGV. The Lions will play McNeese in Lake Charles on Thursday night. ETAMU's offense is spearheaded by Ariana Brown who has 239 kills while Haley Mullaney has dished 421 assists to pace the attack. The duo also leads the team with 30 service aces apiece. Jade Washington anchors the defense with 349 digs while Sabine Wenzel leads the unit with 61 blocks.