Privateers
Preview
The LSU New Orleans Privateers will host Nicholls State on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. before facing McNeese on Saturday at 11 a.m.
LSU New Orleans is looking to regain momentum after dropping both matches last week to close out a four-match road swing. In its most recent outing, the Privateers battled Northwestern State through three competitive sets but came up just short, falling 25-23, 25-22, 25-23.
Despite the loss, LSU New Orleans received strong offensive production from Armie Hall and Ryan Williams, who each finished with 11 kills.
Hall continues to be one of the Privateers’ most consistent offensive weapons. She totaled 29 kills last week, including 18 against East Texas A&M, and enters this week with 196 total kills, the fourth-highest mark in the Southland.
Defense Remains a Strength
Upcoming Match: LSU New Orleans vs Nicholls State
The Privateers have also established themselves as one of the conference’s better defensive teams.
LSU New Orleans ranks third in the Southland in digs per set at 15.08, trailing only McNeese and UIW. That average also places the Privateers 51st nationally.
Mia Lopez has played a major role in that success.
Lopez is averaging 4.33 digs per set, which ranks fifth among Southland players and 51st in the nation. Her ability to keep rallies alive will be important against two conference opponents capable of applying pressure at the net.
Nicholls Presents Tough Defensive Challenge
Nicholls enters Thursday’s matchup with an 8-9 overall record and 1-3 mark in conference play.
The Colonels have been especially effective defensively, holding opponents to a .182 hitting percentage, the best mark in the Southland.
Offensively, Nicholls has also been efficient. Harper Holden leads the conference with a .405 attack percentage over 185 attempts, while Maya Schirmer ranks second at .365.
LSU New Orleans holds a 45-36 advantage in the all-time series against Nicholls. The teams split their two meetings last season, with each side winning at home.
McNeese Brings Strong Back-Row Play
McNeese enters the week at 5-10 overall and 1-3 in Southland play after earning its first conference victory with a straight-set win over Lamar.
The Cowgirls are led defensively by Sophia Tocmo, who leads the Southland and ranks fifth nationally with 5.37 digs per set.
McNeese also ranks third in the conference in hitting percentage, giving LSU New Orleans another balanced opponent to prepare for.
The Privateers trail the all-time series against McNeese 20-38 and have not defeated the Cowgirls since 2019. Last season’s meeting in New Orleans went five sets before McNeese escaped with the victory.
For LSU New Orleans, the return home offers a timely opportunity to reset after a demanding road stretch.
With Hall providing offensive production, Lopez anchoring the back row and two conference opponents coming to the Lakefront, the Privateers now have a chance to turn competitive performances into Southland wins in front of their home crowd.
