SEWARD, Neb. - The Columbia College volleyball team's undefeated start came to an end Friday at Friedrich Arena, as the Cougars (5-1) dropped a 3-1 decision to third-ranked and three-time defending NAIA national champion Indiana Wesleyan (7-2), 26-28, 25-15, 25-22, 25-16.
Columbia continues Power Quad play Saturday in Seward, Neb., taking on No. 3 Concordia (Neb.) at 11:30 a.m. before facing MidAmerica Nazarene at 2 p.m.
Columbia opened strong in a back-and-forth first set that saw seven ties and five lead changes. The Cougars built a 20-16 cushion before Indiana Wesleyan stormed back to grab a 24-21 lead, but Columbia answered with four straight points to force a tie, then again at 25-25 before a Viola Giangreco kill off a set from Alexa Olson closed it out 28-26. The Wildcats had the answer from there, reeling off three straight sets to close out the match.
Katelyn Spengler turned in a career day, setting season highs with 12 kills, 30 attack attempts and 13.5 points, while Rowan Carr added nine kills. Isabella Kincaid logged a season-high 12 digs to go with six kills, and Viola Giangreco and Kenedi Canty each finished with four kills.
Hannah Vogt led the Columbia offense with 19 assists and added 13 digs, while Taylor Johnson led all Cougars with 16 digs.
At the net, Alayna Backes set season highs with five block assists and seven total blocks.
Statistical Leaders
*season high
