Koalas Fall to CIU in Friday Night Rivalry

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College volleyball team fell in three tough sets to rival Columbia International from Porter Gymnasium Friday evening.

The Koalas came out strong leading 8-5 in the first set before the Rams went on a run to go up 12-9. They would go on to take the first set 25-12 behind 14 kills hitting .500.

In the second set, CIU ran out to an 18-11 lead before the Koalas got to within seven again winning four straight points to trail 24-17 before falling 25-17. The kills in that set were much closer as CIU led just 10-9.

In the final set, unfortunately, the Rams jumped out to a quick 13-2 lead, but CC could get no closer than 9 points the rest of the way as CIU won it 25-14. CIU totaled 32 kills while Columbia had 21.

CC was led by 7 kills and a block from senior middle Destiny Brown while junior OH Maranda Bird tallied 6 kills. Defensively, the Koalas were led by 13 digs from sophomore libero Katie Roberts while junior DS Dani Goings had four digs and two aces. Junior setter Debra Shephard played well recording 19 assists with an ace and a dig.

Columbia falls to 1-11 overall and 1-2 in the AAC while CIU improved to 7-5 and 3-1 in conference. The Koalas are right back in action tomorrow when they host SMC at 11:00 am.