THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State rallied from a 2-1 deficit to edge the University of New Orleans 3-2 (25-14, 22-25, 23-25, 25-15, 15-6) on Tuesday night at Stopher Gym.
NSU (3-6) overcame a career-high 13 kills from UNO (3-7) freshman
Taylor Berry to send the Privateers to their fifth straight defeat.
Laila Hansen also added 13 kills for UNO, which was playing its third five-set contest of the campaign.
The Colonels received a match-high 17 kills from Jennifer Brandt, who completed a double-double with 14 digs. NSU blocked 18 Privateer attacks on the night with the Colonels' Jasmine Harris having a hand on 10 blocks to go along with 12 kills.
After NSU won the opening set, Berry provided the momentum in the second set that turned the match in UNO's favor. Berry pounded down seven kills in the second stanza as the Privateers never led by more than three, but held on to a 25-22 victory that knotted the match at 1-all.
UNO was able to come out of the intermission in much the same fashion they entered it. Though the Privateers never gained a significant edge, UNO received a balanced attack from its core of offensive players in the third frame to move one set closer to the victory.
The same script would not be followed in the fourth set as the Privateers trailed much of the frame. NSU refused to allow UNO an opportunity to cut into the lead and forced a decisive fifth set with a 25-15 win.
With the match on the line, the Colonels started strong by scoring eight of the first 10 points contested in the fifth set. The Privateers would reach within four points before bowing out to the hosts.
UNO's offense received 38 assists from
Ryan Hamilton while
Lauren Levy established a new career-high defensively with 26 digs.
Marti Richmiller and
Elena Villar added 11 and 10 digs, respectively for the Privateers.
The 2012 home slate will open on Tuesday, Sept. 18 for UNO against McNeese. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. with admission free to the public.
