NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana closed at 4 p.m. Tuesday due to the approach of Gordon in the Gulf of Mexico, and as a result the Gold Nuggets' home volleyball match against Tougaloo was postponed.
     The match, also scheduled for Tuesday, was to have been XULA's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opener. It has been rescheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at XULA's Convocation Center.
     The Gold Nuggets' all-time record on Sept. 4: one win, three losses and three weather postponements. Also washed out on that date because of tropical activity were matches against city rival Loyola in 2011 and 2012.
     Tropical Storm Gordon was expected to make landfall near the Mississippi and Alabama border Tuesday night. The National Weather Service said Gordon could strengthen and become a Category 1 hurricane.
     Next for XULA, weather permitting, will be a trip to Alabama for the University of Mobile Invitational. The Nuggets will play Friday at 2 p.m. against Mobile and 6 p.m. against St. Thomas (Texas) and Saturday at 2 p.m. against Life and 4 p.m. against William Carey. Inheriting the role of XULA's first GCAC opponent will be city rival Dillard — 1 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Convocation Center.
     XULA is 6-2 after winning 3-of-4 matches in its Big Easy Blastoff this past week.