Second Set Collapse Sinks Koalas Chances Against Brenau

COLUMBIA, SC- Despite holding game point in the second set, the visiting Brenau Tigers were able to rally back and take the set en route to a 3-1 win over the Koalas.

Columbia rallied back in the third to force a fourth set, but the second-set collapse prevented the Koalas from taking the Tigers to a fifth and final set.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Brenau jumped out to an early lead in the first set, 13-8, and they'd cruise to a 25-18 win. The second set saw the Koalas come out with their most energy of the night.

Led once again by Debra Shephard's smooth setting, the Koalas took a 21-17 lead in the second set, forcing a Tiger timeout. After the timeout, the guests ripped off three straight points to pull within one. The Tigers would use that momentum to hold off four consecutive match points from the Koalas, ultimately winning the set 26-24.

Columbia controlled the pace of the third set until the Tigers found a groove. The third set saw three ties down the stretch, but the Koalas finally pulled away in the end, 26-24. The fourth and final set of the night also went down to the wire... with the score tied at 22, Brenau found a way to close the door, escaping with the 25-23 win.

Debra Shephard recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 20 assists and 12 digs.

UP NEXT:

The Koalas will close out their five-game home stand on Thursday when they welcome USC Salkehatchie to town for a 6 PM start.