Colonel volleyball returns to Stopher tonight

The Nicholls State University women’s volleyball team returns home to host Mississippi Valley
State University today, Sept. 12. The first game of the match should begin at 6:30 p.m. at
Stopher Gym.

The Colonels (1-8) defeated the Devilettes (1-8) in four sets on Sept. 2 at the Sawyer Camillo
Memorial Volleyball Classic.

Since the victory, Nicholls lost three straight games in the Allstate Sugar Bowl Collegiate
Volleyball Classic.

Nicholls State head coach Tommy Harold said that facing Mississippi Valley State gives the
team some trust in themselves after a difficult weekend.

“I think it gives the girls a little confidence. They know what to expect; we talked today that our
next four matches are winnable,” Harold said. “This weekend was a tough weekend, we played
some big competition.”

Emily Weimer, a senior middle hitter from Thibodaux, also said that playing at home is
beneficial after playing three strenuous road games, she thinks the team is improving.

“I think everyone is really excited. We’re coming off a weekend with three losses, which sucks,
but I think we played a lot better this weekend,” Weimer said. “We’re playing a lot better as a
team. Tommy and the coaches are all telling us that we’re playing better, which is good, but we
just need to string it along for a longer period of time.”

As a Thibodaux native, Weimer said she is excited to have family and friends watch her and her
team play in their home opener.

“My parents are going to be at the game, and they’re at every game. It’s nice because I can tell
family and friends to come, and maybe I’ll have a few extra fans in the stands,” Weimer said.

Weimer also said that Nicholls athletes across different sports have begun to support each other
in their home games, so there is a sense of unity and pride among student athletes.

Coach Harold said that he enjoys the home crowd and encouraged his players to spread the word
about Tuesday’s game.

“We love our fans. One thing I told the girls after practice is, ‘Hey, go talk to your friends,
classmates, strangers and be friendly and get them here.’ It always makes for a good
environment when we’ve got a lot of people in the seats.”