THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team will play an exhibition match against the University of Southern Miss on Saturday, Aug. 22. First serve from the Southern Miss Wellness Center is scheduled for 2 p.m.
 
Nicholls enters year four under head coach Jonea Rima fresh off a 13-16 campaign. This year's squad welcomes back seven returners including senior setter Isabella Padilla who paced the offense with 832 assists last season. Sophomore middle blocker Harper Holden looks to keep her momentum rolling into the new year as she led the defense with 71 blocks while also finishing with the second most kills (135).
 
The Colonels also welcome back junior setter Ava-Claire Calais who led the team in service aces (23) and was second of the team in digs (195). Outside hitter Tierney Terrell returns for her senior season after recording 120 kills. Another returner is Karina Smith who led the team in digs last season (275).
 
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Nicholls will begin the 2026 regular season by hosting Stonehill College and Oral Roberts in the Colonel Classic on Friday, August 29.