Volleyball looks forward to two home games this weekend

After spending their past two weekends on the road, the Nicholls volleyball team will open the Southland Conference play Thursday at Stopher Gymnasium. The Colonels will face Central Arkansas on Thursday and Northwestern on Saturday.

The team heads into its first SLC games with an overall record of 4-11 and currently sits on a seven-game losing streak. While in Florida, the Colonels faced North Florida, Florida International and Mercer. The following week in Alabama, they competed with Jacksonville State, Kennesaw State and Evansville.

“At North Florida we played three pretty solid teams and hung with them, but couldn’t quite get over the hump,” Head Coach Tommy Harold said. “We’re close and we’re playing some good ball, but we have to figure out a way to finish matches and get the W.”

Putting their record aside, Harold believes the tougher matches his team has been playing are helping them prepare for conference and are aiding in identifying areas that need improvement.

“When you play good teams they expose your weaknesses but at the same time, you’re able to play at a high level,” Harold said. “The fact that we’re right there shows us something and gives us a boost that will help push us into conference where we should have some competitive matches.”

Typically, the Colonel volleyball season begins by playing many tournament-style weekends before getting into conference play. Having played 14 matches on the road and only one at home, the Colonels are eager to kick off their conference games in the comfort of their own gym.

“It’s always fun to be at home and to play in front of a friendly crowd,” Harold said. “We love our local talent; we always start our recruiting efforts there and then branch out.”

Harold says that juniors Emily Weimer and Sydney Lerille will be contenders in the SLC with hitting percentage. As two centers who have been able to come in and raised their level of play, Harold notes that they have done a great job so far.

Something that adds a level of comfort to Harold and his team is being able to have a routine while playing at home. By playing where they train every day and preparing for the game in their own locker room, they are able to stick to what they know.

“By doing what we do every day, we don’t go out of the ordinary and we like that.”

After ending their season last year on the longest winning streak since 2012, the Colonels hope to reach a higher level this year. Harold believes their hard work so far this season has prepared them to sit in a fair position among other SLC teams.

“It’s tough to gauge until you get into the matches but I think we’re right where we need to be,” Harold said. “We’ve got another level we have to get to, but I think we’ll get there pretty soon. We have the pieces in place, but now, we have to learn to win.”