Columbia, Mo. - The Cougars of Columbia College dropped a heartbreaking five-set decision to Stephens College on Wednesday night at Southwell Complex, falling 3-2 with set scores of 13-25, 29-27, 24-26, 25-14, and 12-15.

The loss moves Columbia to 5-11 overall and 4-1 in AMC play, while Stephens improves to 8-7 overall and 5-1 in conference action.

After dropping the opening set, Columbia battled back to win the second 29-27 and nearly captured the third before falling 26-24. The Stars dominated the fourth set 25-14 to force a decisive fifth, but Columbia couldn't complete the comeback.

Columbia hit .077 as a team while Stephens posted a .145 attack percentage. The Cougars recorded 47 kills and 85 digs.

Viola Giangreco and Heather Bana each led Columbia with 12 kills, while Emma Breier added nine kills on .250 hitting.

Hannah Vogt and Alexa Olson each recorded 19 assists to lead the offense, while Vogt added 15 digs for a double-double.

Taylor Johnson finished with a match-high 26 digs, while Rita Marques added 18 digs.

The Cougars continue their conference schedule next week.