THIBODAUX, La. |  The Grambling State University women's volleyball fell 3-1 to Nicholls State on Friday evening at the Harrison HPER Complex. Despite notable efforts from Essence Allen and Lauryn Bourne, Grambling dropped to 1-4 overall , while Nicholls improved to 2-1.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Grambling State struggled to find consistent rhythm against a Nicholls squad that hit .279 on the night. After losing the first set, the Tigers managed to tie the match by taking the second set in a closely contested battle. However, Nicholls regained control in the third and fourth sets, leveraging strong offensive performances from Leah Linaares Castro and Olivia Lunt to seal the victory.
 
Despite GSU's defensive efforts, including solid digs from Bourne and Allen, the Tigers were unable to contain Nicholls' potent attack. The game saw a total of 16 tie scores and five lead changes, keeping the pressure on both sides until Nicholls pulled away.
  
Set 1: Nicholls 25, Grambling State 18
Nicholls started strong, claiming the first set 25-18. Grambling kept the score tight early on but struggled to maintain momentum, with Leah Linaares Castro and Jordan Gamble combining for timely kills. Nicholls capitalized on Grambling's four service errors, pulling away after the midway point.
 
Set 2: Grambling State 25, Nicholls 23
 
The Tigers came out aggressive in the second set, building on their blocking efforts and edging Nicholls 25-23. Essence Allen and Lauryn Bourne led the charge, each contributing key kills. Grambling's defense held steady, managing to slow down Nicholls' attack just enough to secure the set win.
 
Set 3: Nicholls 25, Grambling State18
 
Nicholls took control again in the third set, jumping out to an early lead. The Colonels hit an impressive .412 as a team, while Grambling's attack faltered, hitting just .182. Leah Linaares Castro dominated the set, as Nicholls cruised to a 25-18 win, reclaiming the match lead.
 
Set 4: Nicholls 25, Grambling State19
 
In the fourth and final set, Nicholls closed out the match with a 25-19 victory. The Tigers fought hard, but errors and Nicholls' offensive consistency proved too much to overcome. Castro, who finished the night with 17 kills, continued to dominate, while Olivia Lunt added key points to clinch the match for the Colonels.
 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
-  Kills: Grambling posted 42 kills on 137 total attacks, finishing with a hitting percentage of .175. Nicholls countered with 58 kills on 147 swings for a hitting percentage of .279.
-  Top Performers: Essence Allen and Lauryn Bourne each registered 10 kills for Grambling, with Bourne adding a team-high 17 digs. Leah Linaares Castro led all players with 17 kills on an impressive .548 hitting percentage for Nicholls.
-  Blocking: Grambling notched 12 blocks, but Nicholls matched them with 12 as well, with Jordan Gamble and Castro leading the effort.
-  Service Errors: Grambling struggled with 11 service errors, giving Nicholls several crucial points at key moments.
 
UP NEXT
Grambling looks to bounce back as they face Lamar tomorrow at 11 a.m. in Thibodaux, La.