GRAMBLING, La. | The Grambling State University women's volleyball team battled to a 3-2 victory over Nicholls in a tightly contested five-set match on Thursday evening at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. The win improved Grambling's record to 3-8, while Nicholls fell to 5-6.

The victory also avenged a four-set loss to Nicholls earlier this season on Sept. 6. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Tigers captured a thrilling 28-26 victory in the first set and dominated the second set 25-12. Nicholls responded by winning the third set 25-23 and the fourth 25-22, forcing a decisive fifth set. However, Grambling held firm in the final set, narrowly securing the win with a 16-14 score.

DEFENSIVE DOMINANCE AT THE NET
Grambling's blocking effort was a major factor in the win, with Kai Williams leading the charge with 4 solo blocks and assists. Kennya Sykes added 4 block assists, and Madison Reagins
contributed 3 block assists. This defensive presence at the net played a crucial role in slowing down Nicholls' offense, particularly in key moments of the match, including the fifth set.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Essence Allen was a standout offensively, recording 21 kills and 19 digs.
- Lauryn Bourne delivered 14 kills and 21 digs, while Kai Williams posted 14 kills along with her dominant blocking performance.
- Madison Reagins added 11 kills and 3 blocks.
- Leah Linares Castro led all players with 28 kills for Nicholls, while Makila Billingsley and Tierney Terrell chipped in 15 and 8 kills, respectively.
- Grambling finished with a hitting percentage of .208 on 216 total attacks, while Nicholls hit .128 on 219 attacks.

UP NEXT
Grambling State aims to build on their recent success as they prepare to face Texas College on September 25 at 2 PM.

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