Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is bringing on Mallory Nicholson, a transfer from University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB), for 2017. Nicholson will be a sophomore in 2017 and have three years left of eligibility.
Previously at the Division II ranks with UTPB, Nicholson was a starter in 2016 as a freshman. She appeared in all 30 matches and led the team in assists per set (6.5) and aces (0.25 per set) as she earned the team’s most valuable player award. She was also a member of the Texas All-State team in 2015 at Austin High School during her prep days.
“Mallory adds to an extremely talented setter group, and she brings a wealth of experience as a transfer athlete and previously as a Texas high school 6A All-State athlete,” SIUE head coach Kendall Paulus said in the team’s release of the transfer. “Her competitive drive, decision making ability and defensive prowess fits seamlessly with our program’s identity. We are excited to add Mallory to the Cougar family.”
Nicholson is the third setter on the SIUE roster for a team that ran a 6-2 last season. One of the other three is a fellow newcomer as in incoming freshman while Samantha Knight started 14 matches last season at the position.
In the Ohio Valley Conference, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville completed a 22-8 season in 2016. They also posted a 13-3 conference record but fell in the tournament finals as they were held out of the NCAA Tournament. Regardless, it was a strong step in the nice direction after eight straight losing seasons. With Nicholson and others, SIUE will look for an even stronger season in 2017.
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