After getting their first test of the season, the Colonels are ready to get back to practices to fix the mistakes that became apparent during the New Mexico State Hilton Classic held from August 31 to Sept. 1.

After facing the University of Alabama on Friday morning, Nicholls State (0-4) switched their offensive scheme from having two setters on the court to maintaining the same setter for the entire rotation.

The change seemed to help the Colonels as they defeated the University of Pittsburgh (2-1) in one game during the four game match.

Junior Katie Leymaster took over the setting responsibilities and notched 35 assists against the Panthers and another 16 against Ball State (2-2) in the last match Saturday evening.

Senior middle hitter Jana James led the hitting attack finishing the tournament with 20 kills and leading the team in hitting percentages (.162).

Junior Amy Koziol split the time in the middle with James gathering 10 kills in the three matches she competed in.

“Jana (James) played great,” head coach M.J. Engstrom said. “Amy (Koziol) played well, too. With the switch in offenses, we threw a lot of new things at them after the first match and I am pleased with the way they responded. We now know exactly where we are and what we need to work on. We are a lot better off today than we were three days ago.”

The Colonels will return to the gym for only two practices before heading to Hattiesburg, Miss. on Wed., Sept. 5 to take on the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi.