SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Nicholls State University volleyball team took the opening set but could not keep its momentum going in the Colonels' 3-1 loss at UIW on Saturday afternoon.
Nicholls offense was clicking early as they scored the first seven points of the match and eventually won the opening set 29-27 behind 22 kills with a .365 hitting percentage. However, UIW was able to adjust as the Colonels lost the next three sets, 25-15, 25-12, and 25-23.
Freshman libero
Natalia Navarro anchored the Colonel defense with 35 digs which is the most by any player in the Southland this season. Additionally, her 35 digs are the most in program history dating back to at least 2010. Navarro became the seventh different Colonel to record 30 or more digs in a single match.
The Red & Gray offense was spearheaded by
Madison Smith who had a career high 26 kills. She added 13 digs on the other end to register her second consecutive double-double.
Mckenzie Mitchell and
Amelie Shalfoon finished with 10 kills apiece.
Isabella Padilla also posted a double-double as she dished 44 assists and had 14 digs. Defensive specialist
Lizzie Kraft and setter
Ava-Claire Calais chipped in with 11 digs apiece to round out the statistical leaders.
UP NEXT
Nicholls will host LSU New Orleans on Thursday, Oct. 29 in the Colonels' annual Stuff Stopher game. First serve is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
