Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia College Cougar volleyball team picks up two wins over Bethel University and Robert Morris University at home in the 2014 Hampton Inn Classic. The eight-team, two-day classic features; Arizona Christian University, Bethel University, Indiana University East, Benedictine College, No. 12 Park University, Robert Morris University (Chicago), Lindenwood-Belleville, and the Columbia Cougars. The Cougars opened up their play against Bethel University, defeating them 3-0 and capped off the day with a 3-0 win over Robert Morris University. The Cougars, ranked No. 9 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll, are 6-0 on the season.

The Cougars defeated Bethel 25-13, 25-5 and 25-7 to take the sweep. Senior Paula Rosa led the charge in the tournament opener with 15 kills and eight digs. Polina Severina finished with six kills and five digs while Lachelle Purrier captured six kills. Senior setter Lydie van Deursen picked up 30 assists, three kills and five digs.

Daisy Liljenquist led the Bethel Wildcats with four kills and two digs.

Columbia's second match of the day went much like the first with the Cougars prevailing in three sets, 25-8, 25-21 and 25-10. The Cougars breezed by to take the win in the first set. The second set was the Cougars first test of the day. Trailing 19-13, the Cougars made a comeback to take the lead. Three kills by Brooke Simpson, a kill by Severina, a kill by Purrier, and two service aces by van Deursen put the Cougars back on top 20-19.  The Cougars finished the set with a kill by Purrier to get the 25-21 game-two win. The Cougars dominated the third set with a 25-10 win over the Eagles. Simpson led the squad with 12 kills and nine digs while Rosa pounded out 10 kills and 10 digs. Lydie van Deursen chipped in 34 assists.

Robert Morris's Katie Rotkovich led the team with 5 kills while Jordan Wooden posted eight digs.

For a complete list of today's Hampton Inn Classic matches and results Click Here.

The Cougars return to the court for the second day of play on Saturday. Columbia takes on Benedictine College at 11:00 a.m. and Indiana University East at 3:00 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.