University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss
0-0,0-0Sun Belt
Nicholls (Exhibition)
0-0,0-0Southland
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholls | 17 | 9 | 10 | 0 |
| Southern Miss. | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Southern Miss Volleyball Sweeps Nicholls in Final Preseason Tune-up
8/22/2026 4:45:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss Volleyball opened the 2026 campaign with a 3-0 sweep of Nicholls (25-17, 25-9, 25-10) Saturday afternoon at the Wellness Center.
In the Golden Eagles' final exhibition match before the start of the regular season, Southern Miss proved too much for the Colonels to handle. Sadie McAda and Elly Stewart led the Golden Eagle offense with 11 and 10 kills, respectively, while Sunni Sheppard made her presence felt from the service line and on defense, leading the team with five service aces and nine digs.
The first set featured the two sides battling back and forth before the Golden Eagles created separation and took a 20-10 lead. Nicholls responded with a 7-3 run to cut into the deficit, but Southern Miss held on to take the opening set, 25-17.
The second set was all Southern Miss. After taking an early 4-2 lead, the Golden Eagles rattled off a 13-0 run, including four service aces from Sheppard, to take control of the set. Southern Miss never looked back, cruising to a 25-9 victory.
Southern Miss carried its momentum into the third set, winning the first four points. Nicholls remained within striking distance early, but the Golden Eagles continued to build their lead and eventually took a 21-8 advantage. Southern Miss closed out the set, 25-10, to complete the sweep.
The two teams played two additional exhibition sets following the three-set match, with Southern Miss taking the fourth set and Nicholls claiming the fifth.
Up next, the Golden Eagles will begin the 2026 regular season at the Cocky Classic in Jacksonville, Ala. Southern Miss will face Southern on Friday, Aug. 28, before taking on Jacksonville and Jacksonville State on Saturday, Aug. 29.
To keep up with the Golden Eagles, follow our Instagram (@southernmissvball), X (@southernmissvb), and Facebook (Southern Miss Volleyball).
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