Led by Deveney Wells-Gibson who had a hand in winning 25 points, Sam Houston picked up its first Southland Conference victory of the season defeating Nicholls in four sets Thursday night in Thibodaux, La.

The Bearkats upped their season record to 8-7 and now stand 1-1 in league action by defeating the Colonels 23-25 25-22 25-16 25-18.

Nicholls drops to 5-11 for the season. The Colonels are 1-2 in Southland play.

Wells, the conference's leader in total kills, picked up 22 in the victory. Kali Schwartz led the Colonels with 11 kills.

Carling Urben also posted double figure kills for Sam Houston with 13 in 24 attempts. Setter Michelle Griffith assisted on 47 of the squad's 54 kills.

Libero Claire Kilpatrick led the defense with 25 digs and Breanna Homer totaled 10. Urben led the team with four blocks. 

Sam Houston completes its weekend road trip Saturday against McNeese State in Lake Charles, La.

The Bearkats return to Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum for the first time since August 31, hosting Incarnate Word on Thursday, October 9, at 6:30 p.m.