Box Score Parkville, Mo. – The fourth ranked Columbia College volleyball team traveled to Parkville, Missouri to take on the third ranked Missouri Baptist University Spartans in the AMC Tournament Semifinals. The Cougars took control and swept the Spartans (25-18, 25-23, 25-17) to improve to 36-3 on the season and advance to the AMC Tournament Championship.
With a trip to the AMC Tournament Championship on the line, each team was ready to go to work. Out of the gates, the Spartans held the early edge, but the game would find itself tied at 5 just as quickly. The Cougars took a 12-8 lead as the first timeout of the night was called by the Spartans. Columbia knew they would have to work for every point tonight as they led by three, 16-13. The Cougars would hit 20 first as they led by four. Columbia took control of set one as they won 25-18.
Just like the first, the second set was tied at 5 early. Columbia took a few point lead, but found the set tied up again at 11. The game was kept tight as it was tied back and forth as set two played out. Columbia once again would hit the 20 point mark first and hold a two point advantage. A big Cougar block would give Columbia the 24-21 lead, but the Spartans were able to cut in making it 24-23. However, Columbia would win set two 25-23 on a Spartan service error and go up 2-0 in the AMC semifinal match.
With momentum in the Cougars favor, they led in set three 8-2 forcing a Missouri Baptist timeout. Columbia kept their space as the score was 14-5. The Cougars were playing with a vengeance holding a 20-9 lead over the Spartans. Columbia held on to win 25-17 to advance to the AMC Tournament Championship game.
Ariadne Borges and Kiersten Anderson each recorded seven kills apiece, while Thais Andrade tallied 11 digs. In addition, Manuela Vargas had 33 assists in the semifinal match.
The volleyball team will compete in the AMC Tournament Championship match tomorrow, Saturday, November 10th as they battle the number one ranked Park University Pirates. The match is set to start at 1 p.m. in Parkville, Missouri.
