HAMMOND -  After a 4-4 start through its first eight non-conference matches, the Southeastern Louisiana University women's volleyball team is set to open Southland Conference action when the Nicholls State Lady Colonels (2-7) come to town on Friday night.

"Right now we're pretty confident and we're looking forward to the start of conference play," head coach Julie Langford said.  "We're playing much better than at the start of the season and it seems like we're progressing in every match."

The Lady Lions enter Friday's contest with momentum on their side after winning four of their last six, including a 3-1 win over in-state rival Louisiana-Lafayette on Tuesday and are hoping to keep that momentum going through a competitive conference slate.

"We've been seeing more consistent performances in all areas of our game, which is what we've been looking for," Langford said.  "If we can get the same offensive and defensive performances that we had against ULL and improve our intensity, we should be very competitive.  No one in this conference is going to be able to run away with anything.  Anyone of these teams can go on a run and steal a match if you let your guard down.  So, maintaining our focus and intensity is going to be key for us in conference play."

Nicholls State, which opened the 2008 season with five consecutive losses, will also be looking to get off to a quick start in the conference opener for both teams.  The Lady Colonels will look to build off a 3-0 win over Jackson State their last time out.

"They're a dangerous team.  They've played a tough schedule and it shows, not to mention having to deal with all the issues the hurricane caused," Langford said.  "But, we feel confident that if we keep playing the way we have been, we should be fine."

Friday's match is set for a 7 p.m. start at the University Center.  Admission is free for all fans and live stats will be available at www.LionSports.net.