THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's volleyball team will host begin Southland Conference play against Texas A&M – Corpus Christi on Wednesday, Sept. 23. First serve from Stopher Gymnasium is scheduled for 11 a.m.
 
Nicholls (7-6) had a solid showing in non-conference action as they finished the slate by splitting its final two contests against Southern (W, 3-2) and Jacksonville State (L 1-3). The Colonels have been stout on both ends of the floor as they lead the SLC in opponent hitting percentage (.174) while posting the second-best hitting percentage (.216).
 
The Red & Gray's balanced offense is paced by setters Isabella Padilla and Jenna Cicherski who have 400 and 100 assists, respectively. The unit features five players with at least 80 kills with Kera Arrington leading the way with 150, followed by Mckenzie Mitchell (97), Zahahrah Edwards-Wyllie (94), Maya Schirmer (86), and Harper Holden (81). Padilla also leads the team in service aces (18).
 
The Colonel defense is anchored by libero Natalia Navarro who has 207 while defensive specialist Lizzie Kraft adds 100. Padilla has 85 and Mitchell has been a two way force this season as she totals 82 digs and has four double-doubles. Schirmer and Holden lead the effort at the net as they have recorded 45 and 28 blocks, respectively.
 
Texas A&M – Corpus Christi (2-8) is looking to get back on track after being swept by Hawaii, UCLA, and Iowa State at the Lucky Aces Invitational in Las Vegas last weekend. The Islanders will play their final non-conference match against Southern in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, Sept. 22 before coming to Thibodaux.
 
The Islanders' offense is led by Ally Saleh and Kenna Buchanan who have 93 and 88 kills, respectively. Ava Hight paces the offense with 237 assists while Virginia Van Der Werff adds 70. Brooklyn Jaeger leads the team in service aces (11). Jaeger anchors the defense with 145 digs while Kaitlyn Aleshire leads the unit with 21 blocks.