Volleyball Takes Down Nicholls in Straight Sets

THIBODAUX, La. – The University of New Orleans (12-17, 6-8) needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive and that is exactly what the got as it defeated Nicholls State (3-24, 1-13 Southland) in straight sets 25-19, 25-19, 25-23, Saturday afternoon in Stopher Gym.
 
Kaitlyn Grice led the Blue and Silver with nine kills and five blocks and a pair of service aces. Kyra Hunter added nine kills as well. Jordan Schumacher and Rhyan Rand added six kills apiece. Amanda Wurster collected a double-double with 18 helpers and 11 digs.
 
SET ONE
The Privateers came out of the gates charging getting out to an 8-5 lead early on, highlighted by a 4-0 with kills coming from Blessing Dunn, Grice, and Hunter. Shortly thereafter UNO extended its lead to 18-12 on an ace from Schumacher, and moments later New Orleans took a 1-0 lead after a 25-19 set one win.
 
Ehize Omoghibo finished the set with five kills. Grice had four kills and a block in the set. Sarah Thomas and Schumacher each had an ace.
 
SET TWO
Nicholls looked to set the tone early in set two jumping to a 7-4 lead, but the Privateers quickly erased that with kills from Hunter and Rand and Colonels error. Later in the set, UNO capitalized on a few Nicholls miscues to extend its lead to 17-11. New Orleans did not let Nicholls any closer than three points in the set as it took a 2-0 lead with a 25-19 set win.
 
UNO held Nicholls to .095 hitting in the set. Schumacher's four of her six kills came in set two.
 
SET THREE
The final set was a seesaw battle throughout as the teams traded leads seven times and there 16 instances where the score was tied, but the Privateers came out on top with a 25-23 set three win and took the match 3-0

 NEXT UP
The Privateers wrap up their season next week with a pair of matches. On Thursday, November 8 UNO welcomes Central Arkansas to the Human Performance Center at 6 p.m. And on Saturday the Privateers take on Stephen F. Austin on Senior Day at 1 p.m.
 
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