Sioux City, Iowa – This afternoon the 17^th seeded Columbia College women's volleyball team was in Sioux City, Iowa, to take on 16^th seeded Indiana Wesleyan University in the first game of pool play at the 2016 NAIA Volleyball National Championships. The Cougars were able to avenge their loss to the Wildcats earlier this season and swept Indiana Wesleyan in three straight sets (25-14, 25-17, 25-22) to improve to 1-0 in Pool A.

The defending national champions picked up right where they left off last season in Sioux City, Iowa, and jumped all over Indiana Wesleyan to begin the match. The Cougars scored the first seven points of the game and never looked back as they were able to shut down the Wildcats attack in the set. They limited Indian Wesleyan, who ranks 15^th in the NAIA in kills per game (13.570), to just six kills as they cruised to a 25-14 victory to take a one game lead in the match. Peiyi Liu led the way for the Cougars picking up four kills in the set.

The second set went a little differently for both sides as the Wildcats were able to break out of the gate and take a 4-1 lead. However, Columbia College battled back and went on an 8-1 run to take a 9-5 lead in the game. Both teams exchanged the next few points, but with the score tied at 10, the Cougars were able to go on an 11-3 run to take a substantial lead in the set. The Wildcats tried desperately to get back into the game but Columbia College just overmatched them and took a 2-0 lead in the match with a 25-17 victory in the set.

In the third and final set, the Cougars looked to take care of the Wildcats and complete the three game sweep. They were able to pick up two quick kills to start the game but Indiana Wesleyan would not go down without a fight. Both sides battled point for point and neither side was able to gain an advantage for most of the set. The Cougars led for most of the game but with the score tied at 21 the Wildcats picked up a huge kill from Remy Bucknor to take their first lead in the set. However, Columbia College rebounded quickly and scored the next four points to claim a 25-22 victory and complete the three game sweep.

The Cougars were led by Peiyi Liu who had a match high 16 kills and added 12 digs. Caroline Clifford added 10 kills to the 45 total from Columbia College and Sashiko Heredia had a match high 39 assists. Additionally, Sami Meyer led the team defensively picking up a match high 13 digs in the contest.

The Cougars will resume pool play tomorrow afternoon with a matchup against top ranked Westmont (Calif.) College who are undefeated with a perfect 32-0 record. Westmont swept IU Kokomo (Ind.) 3-0 earlier this afternoon and are also 1-0 in pool play. Match time is scheduled for 1:00 pm at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.