Koalas Overcome Adversity, Snap Losing Streak in Straight-Sets

COLUMBIA, SC- Columbia College Volleyball snapped its seven-game losing streak on Thursday evening by taking straight sets against non-conference opponent USC Salkehatchie, 25-20, 26-24, 26-24.

THE BASICS:

The Koalas collected their second win on the season and now stand at 2-7 overall and 0-5 inside the Appalachian Athletic Conference; for USC Salkehatchie, they fall to 0-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Koalas, having played five home games in the past week, saw some fresh faces hit the floor for tonight's action. The first set was a back-and-forth affair as both sides felt each other out. After the score was deadlocked at nine, the Koalas rallied and ripped off four straight to build some cushion. The first set continued its back-and-forth style until the Koalas finally finished the visitors off, thanks to an error. 

The second set saw the same action as the first; the two sides were deadlocked four times, including at 24. A USC Salk error followed by a Hali Doctor kill was enough for the Koalas to hold and take set two. 

The visitors jumped out to an early lead in the third set, but a timeout brought the energy back for the Koalas. They went on to eventually pull ahead 22-17. The guests didn't go away quietly, though, and eventually battled back to pull within one at 22-21. With the score even at 24 for the second time of the night, another two errors from Salk helped the Koalas earn the straight-set win. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Brhia Cummings picked up where she left off on Tuesday, leading the team with seven kills while recording 13 digs. 
  
  
• Amanda Velez stepped into the setter role and dished out 14 helpers.

UP NEXT:

The Koalas will travel to Truett-McConnell on Saturday for tri-match action; their first game is against the Bears at 1 p.m.