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Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College Cougars had two matches today against the (RV) Braves of Ottawa University and the #1 ranked Spartans of Missouri Baptist University. The Cougars were perfect on the day, defeating the Braves 3-1 and then defeating the Spartans 3-0, marking the first win over the Spartans since the 2018 season.
Columbia (3-7) vs. Ottawa (4-6)
Set 1: Columbia 22 – Ottawa 25
The contest began with several back-and-forth battles amounting to 11 ties within the set. Columbia took their first lead of the set with a 5-4 advantage with a kill from Ellie Rockers, assisted by Luisa Ferreira. The Cougars led by as many as three nearly midway through the first set producing two consecutive kills and an attack error by the Braves, 10-7. Ottawa produced 13 kills to the Cougars 12, while also recording three blocks. Their neck-and-neck battle was awarded to the Braves as they took the 25-22 favor.
Set 2: Columbia 25 – Ottawa 20
Ottawa picked up a 9-4 edge against the Cougars on four kills and two service aces. Columbia edged their way back three-straight kills, a pair coming from Allana Capella. This tied the set at 11-apiece. The Cougars gained back the lead at 13-12 and did not look back, achieving a 25-20 second set victory.
Set 3: Columbia 25 – Ottawa 14
Columbia recorded their best hitting percentage of the match with .333% and a stellar hitting percentage of .424%. After a 9-9 tie-up, the Cougars remained in control the remainder of the set. Columbia documented the final six points of the set, while also taking their largest lead of the match of 11. The Cougars ended the set with a 25-14 advantage.
Set 4: Columbia 25 – Ottawa 19
Opening the final set, Columbia took a quick 6-1 lead on two kills and two service aces. The Braves edged back into the game taking four-straight points and a 14-13 cushion against the Cougars. A couple points later, Columbia delivered eventually going on a 5-0 run of their own at 22-16. Three more points would seal the deal for the Cougars, grabbing a 25-19 fourth set win.
Columbia (4-7) vs. MBU (9-2)
Set 1: Columbia 25 – MBU 23
The Cougars jumped out to quick 11-5 lead, prompting the Spartans to take their first timeout. Columbia continued to hold their lead with offense from Allana Capella and Ellie Rockers. Down 15-19, the Spartans used a three-point run to bring themselves within one, 18-19. Out of a Cougar timeout, Columbia pushed themselves to set point, 24-23, before a Spartan attacking error ended set one in favor of the Cougars.
Set 2: Columbia 25 – MBU 12
Columbia recorded their best offensive and defensive set of the match as the Cougars exerted their dominance over the Spartans in their 13-point set win. Up 12-5 and then again at 23-10, the Cougars rolled through the set. A kill from Beyza Bektasoglu followed by a block from Danielle Prior gave the Cougars the second set.
Set 3: Columbia 25 – MBU 22
The Cougars took the early lead at 10-9, but a push from the Spartans forced a timeout from Columbia as they fell behind for the first time in the match, 12-13. Both teams traded points until a kill from Beyza Bektasoglu prompted an MBU timeout as the Cougars took the 22-19 lead. The Spartans made a late effort for a comeback, bringing themselves within two (22-24), but another kill from Beyza Bektasoglu put the Spartans away.
