Cougars Split on Day Two of Hampton Inn Classic

Columbia, Mo. – The 14th-ranked Cougars of Columbia College wrapped up play today in the Hampton Inn Classic as they split their two matches. After dropping their match against #16 Indiana Wesleyan, the Cougars rebounded by sweeping the Golden Eagles of (RV) John Brown University. 

The Cougars, now 5-1, play next on Wednesday, August 30th, at home against the University of Saint Mary. 

Game One: #16 Indiana Wesleyan defeated #14 Columbia, 3-1 (25-14, 16-25, 25-16, 25-10)
The Cougars took on the surging Wildcats in their first match of the day. After a back and forth first two sets, the Wildcats found their rhythm and won sets three and four. 

Ellie Rockers and Alayna Rooks both finished with eight kills each, respectively. Luisa Ferreira collected 27 assists with 11 digs. Ana Oro had a team-high 13 digs. 

Game Two: #14 Columbia defeated (RV) John Brown, 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-23)
After dropping their contest to JBU last year in the Hampton Inn Classic, the Cougars got their revenge this year as they rolled to a clean sweep over the Golden Eagles. 

Columbia used a balanced offense as five players had five kills or more in the match. Alayna Rooks led the offensive effort with 12 kills on a .550 hitting percentage. Ellie Rockers followed with eight kills to go along with 10 digs. 

Abby Massengill contributed seven kills with zero errors, while Sude Gundogan had five kills. 

Luisa Ferreira dished out 36 assists, also finishing with six kills and five digs.