Box Score THIBODAUX, La. – The Northwestern State Demons were defeated by the Nicholls Colonels, 3-0 (25-21, 25-17 and 25-23) Saturday afternoon in Southland Conference action at Stopher Gymnasium.

The Demons (1-21, 0-8 SLC) dropped a hard fought first set as they trailed 21-20 late in the frame. However, three kills and an ace by the Colonels and an attack error by the Demons clinched the set for Nicholls. Deja Benjamin had three opening set kills to lead NSU.

It was mostly Colonels (10-10, 0-7 SLC) in the second set. They got out to the early 10-6 lead in the set before pushing the advantage all the way out to 20-11 after a 10-1 run. The Demons battled to stay in the set as they cut it to 22-16 after a kill by Samaya Wesson before Nicholls won the frame.

Nicholls took the lead early in the third set as well leading 11-7 after Jade Longlad's kill for the Demons. NSU trimmed the lead to 16-15 after a kill by Wesson and hung tough the rest of the set tying the match at 23-23 after a kill by Emmarie McFarland. However, a kill by Tamara Chavez followed by a Demon attack error ended the match as Nicholls picked up the win.

Wesson led the Demons with eight kills as she now has 295 for her career. Longlad had 17 kills to aid the NSU offense.

The Colonels were paced by Chavez who had 19 of the 43 kills for Nicholls. Isabella Padella had 36 assists.

Next up, the Demons will return home Thursday at 6:30 p.m. against the Lamar Cardinals in Prather Coliseum.