Henderson, Tenn. – The seventh ranked Columbia College volleyball team was back in action today when they traveled to Henderson, Tennessee, to take on the Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University Lions in their first conference match of the season. The Cougars were able to sweep the Lions in three straight sets (25-22, 25-21, 25-20) to improve to 11-2 on the season and 1-0 in conference play.
In the first set of the match, the Cougars came out and took an early 7-4 lead. The Lions battled back as the set progressed and were able to tie the game at 20 late in the set. However, a 5-2 run from Columbia to close out the set solidified the 25-22 victory and gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead in the match.
In the second set, both sides came out and exchanged points early. With the Cougars leading 8-10 midway through the game they were able to go on a 5-2 run to take a five point lead in the set. They continued to play well down the stretch of the game of were able to take a 2-0 lead in the match with a 25-21 victory.
Columbia College continued to play well in the third set of the match and jumped out to an early six point lead. The Lions did their best to get back into the game but were unable to catch up to the Cougars as Columbia closed out the set to complete the three game sweep with a 25-20 victory.
The Cougars were led by Caroline Clifford who finished with a match high 11 kills. In addition, Yamilet Velazquez finished with a team high 18 assists, Gabriela Walton had a match high 15 digs and Pamela Jaime added 10 kills to round out the top performers for Columbia.
The Cougars are back in action tomorrow, September 16th when they travel to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, to take on Williams Baptist (Ark.) College in an AMC matchup. The game is set to start at 12 p.m.
