Columbia, Mo. – The thirteenth ranked Columbia College volleyball team was back in action today as they continued play in the 2017 Fall Volleyball Classic. The Cougars who won both of their matches yesterday on the first day of the classic, defeated The Master's (Calif.) University in their first match in a 3-2 set (21-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-23, 15-13) but then fell to MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) University in a 3-1 set (18-25, 25-15, 21-25, 26-28 ) for a record of 3-1 on the weekend. Columbia is now 23-4 on the season.
In the first match of the day against the Mustangs, the Cougars had a bit of a slow start but used a 7-4 run to tie The Master's at 10. The Mustangs would take the lead midway through, but Columbia did not back down as they tied it right back up at 17 late in the match. As each team exchanged points, The Master's took the first set 25-21.
The Master's carried their momentum into the second set taking a 13-8 lead. The Cougars finding their groove, used a 12-4 run to go up 20-17 late in the set. The Mustangs rallied back to tie it at 21, but Columbia was able to secure the final points to tie the match 1-1 by a final score of 25-21.
The Cougars took a quick 4-1 lead to start the third set. The Mustangs cut Columbia's lead to one midway through the game, but that was as close as they would get as the Cougars took a 2-1 lead in the match with a 25-17 victory.
Both sides came out and exchanged points to start the fourth set. The Cougars used an 8-3 run to go up 14-9 midway through the game. The Mustangs would battle back tying it at 19 late in the set. As each team went point for point, The Master's was able to score the final two points to tie the match 2-2 with a score of 25-23 to force a fifth set.
To start the fifth set the Mustangs jumped to a quick 4-1 lead. The Cougars fought back to tie it at 7 midway through the final set. Columbia found themselves trailing late in the set, but were able to use a 5-1 run to solidify a 15-13 victory in the final set.
The Cougars were led by Caroline Clifford (19) and Zori Curry (11) who each recorded double-digit kills. In addition, Gabriela Walton had 15 digs, while Yamilet Velazquez had 44 assists.
In Columbia's second match against the Pioneers, the Cougars struggled to get their offense going as they trailed the Pioneers 13-7 midway through the first set. MidAmerica remained in control as they led 20-13 late in the match. The Cougars cut the lead to four, but that was as close as they would get as the Pioneers took set one by a score of 25-18.
To start the second set Columbia took a 7-3 lead early. MidAmerica did their best to catch the Cougars but found themselves trailing 20-12 late in the game. Columbia was able to win the second set 25-15 to tie the match 1-1.
Each team exchanged points to start the third set. The Pioneers used an 11-3 run to go up 18-10 in the set. The Cougars battled back using an 11-4 run of their own to cut the lead 22-21 late in the game, but would fall to MidAmerica in the third set by a score of 25-21. The Pioneers took a 2-1 lead in the match.
Once again both sides exchanged points to start the fourth set. The Cougars were able to get a little space from the Pioneers as they went on a 7-4 run to go up 14-11 midway through the fourth game. MidAmerica would quickly tie it back at 15. The teams were neck and neck down the stretch as it was tied 24-24. Columbia was not able to outlast the Pioneers as they fell 26-28 to end the match.
Columbia was led by Caroline Clifford (16), Pamela Jaime (14), and Ariadne Borges (13) who each recorded double-digit kills. In addition, Gabriela Walton (21) and Selina Merfol (12) each recorded double-digit digs, while Yamilet Velazquez had 43 assists.
Following the conclusion of the tournament, the 2017 Fall Volleyball Classic All-Tournament team was announced. For her efforts this weekend, Nada Meawad (Park) was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. The rest of the all-tournament team consists of Caroline Clifford (Columbia College), Zori Curry (Columbia College), Darcy Latham (Central Methodist), Taylor Cowan (MidAmerica), Gabriella Strazzeri (MidAmerica), Marion Courad (Missouri Baptist), Kristina Medonovic (Missouri Baptist), Danna Gomes (Park), Jane Cisar (The Master's), Kayla Sims (The Master's), Taylor Beckman (Westmont), and Libby Dahlbreg (Westmont).
The Cougars are back in action on Tuesday, October 17th when they host William Woods (Mo.) University in an AMC matchup. The game is set to start at 7:00 p.m. at Southwell Complex.
