Columbia Cougars also win their opening round volleyball match

In its first outing at the NAIA National Tournament at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa, the Columbia Cougar volleyball squad picked up a win in pool play competition, defeating the University of Mobile (Ala.) by scores of 25-22, 25-11, 23-25 and 25-15. With the win, Columbia improves to 40-3 overall. The Cougars are 1-0 in pool play.

The Cougars started rough, playing close with the Rams throughout the first game. The Cougars dominated the second game from the opening serve. In the third game, Columbia found themselves down numerous times, before falling to Mobile. Columbia rebounded in the fourth game to take the four game victory.

Flavia Lino paced Columbia with 22 kills. Luana Branco added nine kills, 43 assists and six digs. Maria Omondi and Juliana Da Silva added seven kills apiece.

The Cougars resume action tomorrow morning vs. Dordt (Iowa) College. The first serve is slated for 11 a.m. (CST). Columbia wraps up pool play competition on Thursday, Dec. 4 vs. Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University at 1:15 p.m. (CST).

Each of the six pools in the national playoff consists of four teams. The top two finishers from each pool advance to the playoff round, which is scheduled for Friday morning, Dec. 5.

Story courtesy of Columbia’s athletic website .