Columbia, Mo. – The third ranked Columbia College volleyball team took the court today as they hosted the 25th ranked Ottawa University (Kan.) Braves in a nonconference matchup. The Cougars topped the Braves in a 3-1 set (25-16, 22-25, 25-22, 25-19).The Cougars now improve to 28-3 on the season.
To start off the match, Columbia jumped to an 8-3 start. The Braves were settling in as they fought back cutting the score 10-8. As the first set played out, the Cougars were able to spread themselves apart taking an 18-10 lead. The Braves used a 6-2 run to trail 20-16. Columbia remained poised as they once again pushed the score leading 24-16, causing a late timeout from the Braves. The Cougars quickly grabbed the final point to win set one 25-16.
After dropping set two to the Braves, 25-22, the Cougars were in search of some new energy as they took the court for set three. As set three was underway, the teams were going point for point. Neither team could separate themselves as the game was tied multiple times. Midway through it was tied at 13. Columbia was having a tough time finding their niche, as they called a timeout trailing 16-14. The Cougars were able to tie the game at 17, but still no breathing room in sight for either side as play continued. Columbia was able to take the two point advantage, 21-19, forcing a Brave timeout. The Cougars came up with some big plays late in the third to pull out a 25-22 victory, taking a 2-1 advantage in the match.
Columbia used their momentum from set three to take a 7-4 lead in the fourth. The Braves stayed on the Cougars tails, but Columbia was able to keep the lead as they were looking to end the match in four. The Braves, however, were not going to make it easy for the Cougars as they tied the game at 15 apiece. Over the next couple plays the set was tied back and forth. Columbia then jumped to a 20-17 lead as the Braves took another timeout. Late in the fourth, the Cougars took a 23-19 lead and were able to secure the final two points to win 25-19.
Columbia had three Cougars with double digit kills including Caroline Clifford (12), Pamela Jaime (10), and Barbara Sabino (10). In addition, Thais Andrade tallied 17 digs, while Manuela Vargas had 48 assists on the night.
The volleyball team is back in action on tomorrow, Saturday, October 20th, when they travel to Fayette, Missouri for two matches. They are set for a 5:30 p.m. start against Peru State (Neb.) College Bobcats and then a 7:30 p.m. start against the 21st ranked Central Methodist University Eagles.
