Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 Bourbonnais, Ill. - The Columbia College volleyball team defeated Olivet Nazarene University (Ill.) 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 25-17) in their first match before falling to Cornerstone University 3-1 (23-25, 25-13, 25-21, 25-20) today in day one of the Holiday Inn Express Invite hosted by Olivet Nazarene. The Cougars, ranked No. 5 in the NAIA, post a 15-2 record on the season.

In game one against the Tigers, Columbia took the first point with a kill by Lachelle Purrier, but the Tigers would respond by taking a commanding 5-1 lead over the Cougars. Columbia eventually would take control leading the set 9-7. The Tigers were not able to overcome the deficit as the Cougars closed out with a 7 to 0 point run to claim a 1-0 lead in the match. The Cougars and Tigers went back and forth in game two, but the Cougars once again took control down the stretch to take game two. Columbia was able to make quick work of the Tigers in game three, taking the lead 22-15 late in the match. Two errors by the Cougars would give the Tigers a chance for a run, but an ending kill by Polina Severina and a service ace by Brooke Simpson would give the Cougars to take the match win.
Polina Severina and Brooke Simpson led the attack with 12 and 10 kills respectively. Lydie van Deursen had 33 assists while Paula Rosa had a team high 10 digs.

The Cougars dropped the second match in four games to the Eagles of Cornerstone University. Senior Paula Rosa and Brooke Simpson led the Cougars with 14 and 13 kills. Lydie van Deursen dished out 40 assists while Sarah Schwentker chipped in with 28 digs.

The Cougars continue action in the Holiday Inn Express Invite tomorrow when they face University of St. Francis at 9 a.m. and No. 14 Grand View at 1 p.m.