THIBODUAX, La. – After rallying from a 1-0 deficit, Lamar University held a 2-1 lead heading into the fourth but faltered down the stretch falling 3-2 (25-23, 19-25, 28-30, 25-15, 15-8) at Nicholls.
 
The Cardinals finished the day with a .172 attack percentage (73-37-209), highlighted by a .360 (23 kills) effort in the third set, but LU posted its two lowest percentages in the final two sets. It was the exact opposite for Nicholls (57-18-179/.218) who closed with their best percentages in the final two frames.
 
Big Red had three players in double-figure kills led by 16 each from Abigale Nash and Kaitlyn Gil.
 
Nicholls also had three players in double figures led by 13 each from Katie Jones and Yani Johnson.
 
After dropping the first set, the Cardinals dug in their heels and battled back. Not allowing Nicholls and easy point, LU took a six-point decision in the second set, followed by a down-to-the-wire, 30-28 decision, in the third.
 
Nicholls opened the third by scoring the first four points of the set, but LU cut the run off and methodically got back in the match. The Cardinals took their first lead of the set, 9-8, on a kill from Nash. After the point, LU didn't allow a run of more than three as LU rallied for the set victory.
 
In the fourth set, the Cardinals fell behind by eight early and could get no closer than four points as Nicholls managed to tie the match and force a fifth. The fifth set started in similar fashion as Nicholls scored six of the sets first nine points. Again, LU rallied and this time pulled within a point, 8-7, but the Colonels responded by scoring the next five points and held on for the win.
 
The Cardinals return to action Tuesday when they host McNeese in volleyball's version of the Battle of the Border. The match will start at 6:30 p.m. from the Montagne Center.