Box Score Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar volleyball team defeated Culver-Stockton (Mo.) College 3-0 on Wednesday night at the Arena of Southwell Complex. Columbia, ranked No. 2 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 poll, improves to 4-1 on the young season with the win while the Wildcats drop to 6-1 on the year.

The Cougars jumped out to a 9-4 lead in game one and never looked back from there as they cruised to the 25-14 opening-set win. The second game of the night was much of the same as Columbia again got off to an early 9-5 lead and coasted to a 2-0 advantage in the match. The Cougars fell behind 2-0 to begin game three, but took eight of the next nine rallies to take command of the set. Junior Lydie van Deursen picked up her second service ace of the contest to close out the game, 25-15, and give Columbia the straight-set victory.

The Cougars posted a season-best .362 hitting percentage on the night, led by Paula Rosa and Trinity Ojo with 12 kills apiece. Lydie, the American Midwest Conference Player of the Week, handed out a match-high 44 assists and senior libero Erin Pavlin led all players with 14 digs.

Kamrin Gold had seven kills and ten digs to lead Culver-Stockton.

Columbia will be back in action on Monday, September 9^th when they host crosstown foe Stephens (Mo.) College in their conference opener for the 2013 campaign. Match time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Arena of Southwell Complex.