CHICOPEE, Mass. (9/1/23) – The Nichols College women's volleyball program picked up their first win of the 2023 season on Friday evening, as they defeated non-conference opponent Elms College, 3-1 at Picknelly Arena.
For Nichols, junior Luna Colozzo led the night with 14 kills, while senior Haylee Granato notched the double-double with 10 kills and 10 digs. Sophomores Kya Burdier and Ruby St. Onge additionally notched double figures in the effort, putting up 25 and 11 assists respectively.
The first set belonged solely to the Bison, who built their way up to a sizeable 20-3 lead in the early goings. Elms managed to shave their deficit down to 21-9 following a 6-1 push-back, but ultimately fell to the visitors by a 25-11 final.
The first handful of points in the second set alternated between the Bison and Blazers, but five unanswered points by the visitors soon saw Nichols back in command. Despite the Blazers continued efforts to close the gap, Nichols continued to match the hosts point-for-point en route to a 25-16 second set win, putting them in position for the overall victory with a 2-0 match lead.
After dropping a 25-18 decision to Elms in the third set, Nichols found themselves in an early 5-2 hole to open things in the fourth. However, the Bison then took advantage of a handful of offensive miscues by the host Blazers, eventually drawing even at an 8-8 score. Elms then tried to seize back the momentum with a 5-1 run, bringing the score to 13-9, but would fail to shake the relentless Nichols offense, which claimed its lead back 19-18 down the stretch. When all was said and done, the Bison emerged the victors by a 25-20 score in the final set, securing the 3-1 win in the match.
Volleyball returns to familiar territory for their home opener next week, when they will host Fisher College on Tuesday, September 5th for a 7PM first serve at the Nichols Athletic Center.
