Columbia, Mo. – The third ranked Columbia College volleyball team was back in action today when they hosted the Stephens (Mo.) College Stars in an AMC matchup. The Cougars sweep streak extends to 12 matches with a win over the Stars (25-5, 25-10, 25-14). With the win Columbia's winning streak hits 13 games straight as well. The Cougars now improve to 17-1 on the season and 5-0 in conference play.
Columbia took a quick start to the match tonight going up 9-1. The Stars were struggling to get anything going as they trailed 15-2 in the set. Columbia continued to roll as they took set one 25-5. Going into set two, the Cougars once again started with a run leading 10-3. The Stars were able to get a few points on the board, but they could not slow the Cougars down as they led 19-6. Stephens cut the score to 10, but that was not nearly enough to hold Columbia back as they went on a 5-0 run to secure set two 25-10.
Heading into the third set, the Cougars held the 2-0 advantage and could taste their 12th straight sweep on its way. Set three started with a 7-2 Cougar run, including multiple Columbia blocks. The Stars were trying to stay alive trailing 15-9 midway through the third. Columbia used a 10-4 run to lock in the sweep 25-14.
Columbia was led by Barbara Sabino and Sidney Branson who each recorded six kills. In addition, Bradi Berhorst tallied five digs, while Selina Merfol had 11 assists in the contest.
The volleyball team is back in action Friday, September 28th when they travel to Burbonnais, Illinois to compete in the 2018 Holiday Inn Tournament hosted by Olivet Nazarene. Columbia is set to play Saint Xavier University at 1 p.m. and then Georgetown College at 5 p.m.
