Columbia, Mo. – Tonight the 14th ranked Columbia College volleyball team was back in action when they played host to the Westminster (Mo.) College Blue Jays in their 2018 home opener. The Cougars, who came into this game with a 1-0 record, were able to sweep the Blue Jays in three straight sets (25-9, 25-15, 25-17) to improve to 2-0 on the season.
Columbia College got off to a quick start in the first set as they jumped out to an early 5-2 lead. They continued to play well as the game progressed and were able to use an 11-2 run to increase their lead to 16-4 midway through the set. The Blue Jays bounced back and were able to score the next two points to cut the Cougars lead to 16-6 but that was close as they would get as Columbia closed them out down the stretch to take the first set by a final score of 25-9 and take a 1-0 lead in the match.
In the second set, Westminster was able to jump out to an early 3-2 lead. However, their lead did not last long as the Cougars were able to use a 7-3 run to take a 9-6 advantage in the set. Columbia College did not slow down over the next few points and were able to extend their lead to 16-9 midway through the game. The Blue Jays did their best to get back into the set and were able to cut the lead to five late in the game but Columbia College picked up the final points to solidify the 25-15 victory and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
In the third set, both sides came out and exchanged points early. The score remained close for most of the set but with the Cougars leading 12-11 they were able to go on a 6-1 run to take an 18-12 lead late in the game. Westminster did their best to cut into the deficit but the Cougars attack was too strong down the stretch as they took the third game by a final score of 25-17 to complete the three game sweep and remain unbeaten on the season.
Caroline Clifford led the way for Columbia College as she finished with a match high 13 kills. In addition to Clifford, Manuela Vargas finished with a match high 31 assists and Kiersten Anderson had a match high 11 digs to round out the top performers for the Cougars.
The volleyball team is back in action on Friday, August 31st when they host the 2018 Columbia College Hampton Inn Classic. The Cougars will play two games on the day including a 3 p.m. start against the Taylor (Ind.) University Trojans and a 7 p.m. start against the top ranked Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College Blue Raiders in the Southwell Athletic Complex.
