Koala Volleyball Sweeps Weekend Foes

Columbia, SC – In an exhilarating matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Columbia College volleyball team triumphed over Brenau University (Ga.) in a nail-biting 3-2 victory on Saturday afternoon.

The Koalas won the first two sets by scores of 25-20 as they jumped out to a 14-4 lead. BU then came back to take the next two sets 25-19 and 25-23 before CC closed them out 15-8 in the fifth set, Columbia's first five setter this season.

The Koalas came into the match with momentum, having won their last match over Montreat on Friday night 3-1, but Brenau proved to be a formidable opponent. CC dominated the first tallying 11 kills to win 25-20 before notching 12 kills and hitting .214 as they rallied from a second set deficit to win 25-20. After dropping the next two sets, the Koalas then stepped up their game in the 5th racking up 8 kills with just one error to hit .538 and pick up the exciting senior day victory. 

In the final set, the Koalas dug deep. With their season on the line, they displayed remarkable composure and determination. An early lead, bolstered by aggressive serves from senior middle Mikayla Stout and senior OH Jada Gentry along with stellar net play from senior middle blocker Destiny Brown, put them ahead. Brenau fought hard to close the gap, but the Koalas maintained their focus, ultimately sealing the match on back to back aces for the 15-8 victory.

With standout performances from sophomore right side hitter Tamia Fripp, who notched a team-best 14 kills, and junior setter Debra Shephard, who delivered 47 assists, the Koalas surged to victory. Fripp hit .385 with a block while Shephard added 8 digs, 4 aces, and a kill in the win.

Brown registered 12 kills and 2 blocks in the win while Gentry recorded 10 kills, 16 digs, 2 aces, and a block to secure another double-double. Fellow senior outside hitter Gracie Hicklin also played well spiking 11 kills with 3 digs, 2 aces and a block while hitting .200. Freshman libero Katie Roberts also led the squad with 17 digs while Stout also added 2 kills, 3 aces, 3 digs, and 4.5 blocks.

The victory not only showcased the Koalas' grit and determination but also highlighted the growing talent within the program. With this win, CC improved their record to 6-18 overall and 5-12 in the AAC. Brenau fell to 10-12 and 6-10 in conference.

Fri. - CC 3, Montreat 1

On Friday evening the Koalas hosted Montreat (7-5) in another conference match and rallied from a set down to win 22-25, 25-16, 25-19, and 25-14. The back to back wins were the first for the Koalas in 8 years while CC has now won 4 of its past 7 matches.

Montreat took the first set on 18 kills while CC had 12 while Columbia added 11 kills each in the next two sets hitting .185 and .231 before closing out the Cavaliers with 10 kills and only one error in the 4th hitting .360. Brown led the Koalas with 14 kills hitting .346 while Hicklin added 10 kills with an ace. Gentry recorded 10 kills, 3 aces and 10 digs also while Roberts picke dup 14 digs as the libero. 

Fripp had 3 kills and 2.5 blocks while Stout added 6 kills, 3 aces, and 4 blocks. Shephard registered 41 assists with 5 digs and a kill in the win as well.

Next up, the Koalas will face off against Montreat again in threir home finale on Tuesday evening at 6:30. the spirit and tenacity they displayed against Brenau, there's no telling how far this team can go.