Koalas Drop Five Set Thriller to Johnson

COLUMBIA, SC- The Columbia College Volleyball team came out strong on Friday night, going the distance against visiting Johnson (TN) in front of a raucous Porter Gymnasium.

The Royals eventually won in the fifth set, but the Koalas didn't make it easy. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The two sides exchanged their best shots throughout the first set, tying each other three times throughout. The Royals eventually won the set 25-20, matching their most significant lead of the set.
  
  
• In the second, Columbia came out with a newfound energy, absorbing every blow the Royals sent their way. With the score tied at 14, the Koalas ripped off six straight points, eventually emerging victorious 25-17.
  
  
• Johnson controlled the third set, winning convincingly, 25-11.
  
  
• The Koalas started the fourth set with the crowd behind them, feeding off the energy to jump to a quick 4-1 lead. The visitors eventually tied things up at six, but that was as close as they'd get. Columbia closed out the fourth set, keeping the Royals at a distance, and forced the first fifth set of the year at home, 25-21.
  
  
• The fifth and final set started in favor of the guests; they jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead. The Koalas didn't back down, though, clawing their way back into it at 8-5. In the end, Johnson held off a furious rally, escaping Soda City with a 3-2 win.
  
  

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Debra Shephard paced the offense again, recording the best game of her young career; she posted a double-double with 32 assists and 21 digs.
  
  
• Hali Doctor had the medicine tonight, leading the Koalas with 14 kills. Destiny Brown and Nya Grey added seven, while Gracie Hicklin recorded six.
  
  

UP NEXT:

The Koalas will be back in action on Saturday at 1 PM, hosting Union for more Appalachian Athletic Conference action.