January 2006 Headlines
January 31, 2006
Lady Cougars Finish First Round of League Action 6-1,
Knock off University of Illinois at Springfield by 97-58
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team survived its final challenge in its first round of American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season action tonight, knocking off the University of Illinois at Springfield 97-58. With the win, the Lady Cougars improve to 12-10 overall and 6-1 in AMC play. The Prairie Stars fall to 5-18 overall and 2-5 vs. league opponents.
Columbia’s defensive pressure proved to be the difference in the contest, with the Lady Cougars collecting nine steals and forcing the Prairie Stars into 21 turnovers. In addition, Columbia’s bench play was crucial, with the Lady Cougars’ bench outscoring the Prairie Stars’ 21-8. The Lady Cougars shot 44 percent beyond the arc.
Four players collected double figures for the Lady Cougars, led by LeAnn Fossum with 25 points. Amanda Koetting, Rachel Davis and Jessica Wilson tallied 19, 15 and 11 points, respectively. Jessica Wilkerson corralled 11 rebounds and six assists. Fossum also chipped in 10 rebounds. The University of Illinois at Springfield was paced by Dominique Moses with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The Lady Cougars start the second round of AMC regular season action on Saturday, Feb. 4 when they travel to St. Louis, Mo. to take on Harris-Stowe (Mo.) State University. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. The Lady Cougars defeated the Hornets 88-52 in the first meeting of the season between the two teams on Jan. 10 in Columbia.
January 31, 2006
Columbia College Announces Athletic Director’s Honor Roll Recipients
Columbia, MO -- The Columbia College athletic department recently announced the recipients of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the 2005 fall semester. This award is bestowed upon student-athletes and student-athletic trainers who achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale during the fall semester.
Members of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll include, from the men’s basketball team, Bryant Chambly, Ryan Steinhoff, Obi Amaefule and Nahowan Saxon.
From the women’s basketball team, Jessica Wilkerson, Mandy Jorgenson, Laura Elliot and Amanda Koetting were honored. Student assistant coaches Andrew Donaldson and Chris Duncan also received recognition.
Recipients from the soccer team include Vladimir Roganovic, Matt Mueller, Ignacio Recondo, Travis Tegerdine, Tanner Mills, Zach Clem, Cole Riley, Jimmy Stranz and Micah Bolton.
Cougar softball players Ashley Perrigo, Kendra Koch, Marcy Dotson, Lindsey Williams, Sarah Moreau, Chris Schoonover, Stephanie Kababie, Amanda Hodges, Katie McMahon and Roberta Shirey are also members of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll for the 2005 fall semester.
Recipients from the volleyball squad include Jeannie Meyer, Roselidah Obunaga, Shari Tuttle, Jenna Holdmeyer, Erin McCaffrey, Amber Hardaway and Brenda Crosby.
Also included on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll is student athletic trainer Tia Kleoppel.
Members of the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll were recognized at a special halftime ceremony during the Cougar women’s basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 31 and honored with a pregame meal. To date, the Cougar athletic squads (men’s soccer, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s basketball) have a combined record on the field and court of 77-26-5 (.736).
January 30, 2006
Cougar basketball falls to CMU by 14 points
Fayette, Mo. - The Cougar men’s basketball team logged their sixth loss of the season, second in as many games, falling to Central Methodist (Mo.) University 47-61. With the loss the Cougars fall to 17-6 on the year. Central Methodist improves to 8-14 on the season.
The game started with numerous turnovers and sloppy play on both ends of the court. The first basket of the game was not recorded until four minutes in when Terrance Smith hit a three to put the Cougars up 4-1. Columbia jumped out to an 11-7 lead ten minutes in to the first half. However, that would be the last lead of the night for Columbia.
CMU outscored the Cougars 21-6 during the final ten minutes of the first half to take an 11 point lead into the locker rooms. Columbia only made five baskets during the first 20 minutes of play and ended the first half shooting just 18% from the field.
CMU extended their lead to 15 on their first two possessions of the second half. CMU was up 17, their biggest lead of the game with three minutes left in the game. Smith then knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to cut the lead to 11. But it was not enough as CMU was successful on 9 of 10 free-throws in the final 90 seconds.
Smith led the Cougars in scoring with 18 points. No other Cougar scored in double figures. Bryant Chambly and Justin Falker each pulled down four rebounds to lead Columbia.
Jordan Willer led Central Methodist in scoring with 18 points. Shane Ringen chipped in 11.
The Cougars return to AMC action this Thursday, Feb. 2, when they host Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College (9-13, 3-2). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
January 28, 2006
Lady Cougars knock off Missouri Baptist,
Cougars record first home loss of the season
St. Louis, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougars recorded their fifth American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season win tonight, topping Missouri Baptist University 69-54. The win moves the Lady Cougars to 5-1 in conference play and 11-10 overall.
Columbia led Missouri Baptist 32-29 at halftime. Despite foul trouble, the Lady Cougars utilized an early second half lead to take the 15-point victory.
Leading the way for Columbia was LeAnn Fossum with 17 points. Amanda Koetting added 14 points and Valarie Suarez chipped in 11. Suarez led the rebounding effort with 10 boards.
The Lady Cougars return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 31 when they host AMC foe the University of Illinois at Springfield. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College men’s basketball team was handed a 63-68 AMC loss tonight vs. the University of Illinois at Springfield. Columbia drops to 17-5 on the season and 3-2 in league play. The Prairie Stars improve to 13-8 for the season and 5-0 against AMC opponents.
The contest was close throughout with both teams shooting 44 percent from the field in the first half leading to a 33-30 Cougar advantage at halftime.
The Cougars were able to pull ahead by as many as nine in the second half. However, the Prairie Stars used full court pressure to surge back to record the five-point win.
Curtis Collins led the Prairie Stars with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Antonio Puckett added 16 points and Kelvin Johnson added 10.
Guard Terrance Smith scored 11 of his team-high 15 points in the second half to lead the Cougars. Bryant Chambly and Terren Wilson each added 13 points and Marcus Bradford ended with 12. Chambly also contributed a game-high 13 rebounds.
Columbia returns to action Monday, January 30 when they travel to Fayette, Mo. to take on Central Methodist University in a non-conference match-up. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
January 24, 2006
Lady Cougars knock off Hannibal-LaGrange
Hannibal, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team knocked off Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College 79-71 tonight. With the win, the Lady Cougars improve to 10-10 overall and 4-1 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play.
The Lady Cougars managed to hold a 35-31 advantage at the break. Columbia’s rebounding effort proved to be the difference in the contest, with the Lady Cougars corralling 43 rebounds to the Trojans’ 28. The Lady Cougars shot 48 percent from the field and 63 percent from the free throw line.
Four players collected double figures for the Lady Cougars, led by LeAnn Fossum with 23 points. Amanda Koetting, Jessica Wilkerson and Rachel Davis tallied 17, 14 and 11 points, respectively. Valerie Suarez pulled in a team high 12 rebounds. Koetting also chipped in seven rebounds and four assists. Hannibal-LaGrange was paced by Laura Cowling with 19 points.
The Lady Cougars continue their march through the AMC regular season on Saturday, Jan. 28 when they travel to St. Louis, Mo. to take on Missouri Baptist University. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
January 21, 2006
Lady Cougars and Cougars notch victories over Williams Baptist
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team tallied their third victory of conference play today, defeating Williams Baptist (Ark.) College, 91-71. Columbia improves their overall record to 9-10 and 3-1 in the American Midwest Conference (AMC). With the win, the Lady Cougars remain in a first place tie in the conference standings. The Eagles fall to 8-9 overall and 0-4 in AMC action.
The Lady Cougars led the Eagles 46-32 at halftime on 50 percent shooting from the field during the first 20 minutes of play. Columbia continued their hot shooting in the second half converting on 64 percent of their attempts to take the 20 point win.
Six Lady Cougars finished in double figures. Jessica Wilkerson paced Columbia with 19 points, 12 rebounds, eight steals and five assists. Amanda Koetting finished with 15 points, Rachel Davis added 14 and Laura Elliot chipped in 13 off the bench. LeAnn Fossum and Valarie Suarez ended with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Kayla Barr led Williams Baptist in scoring with 21 points.
The Lady Cougars continue AMC play on Tuesday, Jan. 24 when they travel to Hannibal, Mo. to take on AMC foe Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College at 7 p.m.
Walnut Ridge, Ark. - The Columbia College men’s basketball team also improved to 3-1 in conference play today with an 84-60 win over Williams Baptist (Ark.) College. Columbia, which is ranked No. 22 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improves to 17-4 on the season. The Eagles fall to 6-15 overall with today’s loss and 0-3 in AMC play.
Five Cougars finished in double figures. Marcus Bradford paced Columbia with 21 points, 8 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Nahowan Saxon and Terrance Smith each scored 14 points. Terren Wilson and Bryant Chambly ended with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Chambly also pulled down eight rebounds.
Chance Smith led Williams Baptist in scoring with 34 points.
The Cougars have a week to prepare for their next AMC contest. On, Saturday, Jan. 28 the University of Illinois-Springfield will travel to Columbia for an AMC match-up. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
January 19, 2006
Cougars drop the Bearcats to move to 2-1 in AMC action
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar men’s basketball team, who are ranked No. 22 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, are 16-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play after defeating the Bearcats from McKendree (Ill.) College tonight, 76-51. The Bearcats fall to 10-11 on the season and 1-2 vs. AMC opponents.
In the first half, Columbia shot 43 percent from the field to lead 38-22 at halftime. The Cougars turned up the defense in the second half, leading to 23 Bearcat turnovers and 32 Cougar points. Columbia outscored McKendree 38-29 in the second half to record the 25-point victory.
Terrance Smith paced Columbia’s effort with 20 points. The senior guard hit six of his 12 field goal attempts, including four field goals from beyond the three-point arc. Terren Wilson posted 18 points and three steals. Bryant Chambly chipped in 14 points.
Two Bearcats scored in double figures, led by Mike Strobbe with 18 points. Brad Fischer added 11.
The Cougars return to action on Saturday, Jan. 21 when they travel to Walnut Ridge, Ark. to take on Williams Baptist (Ark.) College in an AMC contest. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
January 18, 2006
Cougars slip to No. 22 in rating
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar men’s basketball team slipped one spot in the latest NAIA Division I Top 25 rating, which was released today by the national office in Olathe, Kan. The Cougars, who are 15-4 on the season, moved to the No. 22 position with 91 points.
The top three teams have traded places this week in the poll, with Mountain State (W.Va.) University holding the top spot with a 15-1 record and 8 first place votes. Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University is second and holds a 16-1 mark. Union (Tenn.) University is third, followed by Robert Morris (Ill.) College at No. 4 and Oklahoma Baptist (Okla.) University at No. 5.
Columbia’s American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Missouri Baptist College is ranked No. 12 this week. The Spartans are 16-4 on the season.
The Cougars continue AMC regular season action this Thursday, Jan. 19 when they host McKendree (Ill.) College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
In the women’s poll, the Lady Cougars remained just outside today’s rating in the 39th spot. Columbia is 8-10 overall and 2-1 in league play. Vanguard (Calif.) University and Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University are ranked first and second, respectively.
The Lady Cougars host Williams Baptist (Ark.) College on Saturday, Jan. 21. Tip-off is scheduled to 2 p.m.
January 17, 2006
Lady Cougars fall to McKendree
Lebanon, Ill. – The Columbia Lady Cougars recorded their first American Midwest Conference (AMC) loss of the season tonight, falling to McKendree (Ill.) College 72-73. With the loss, the Lady Cougars drop to 8-10 on the season and 2-1 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play. The victory was McKendree’s first against Columbia in nine regular-season meetings. McKendree moves to 6-10 overall and 2-1 in Conference play.
The Lady Cougars started the game with a controlling lead, but allowed the Bearcats to dominate the inside and fell behind 30-31 at halftime. Columbia was not able to gain back their control due to a poor 37 percent shooting performance from the field. With four seconds left in regulation Bearcat guard Katie Hasheider netted one free throw to put the game away for McKendree.
Tonight's loss ended Columbia's 30-game win streak in AMC play. The Lady Cougars have not lost in AMC action since 2002-03 when Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College posted a win against Columbia.
Pacing the Lady Cougars was Jessica Wilkerson with 15 points. Rachel Davis and Valerie Suarez tallied 12 points a piece.
The Lady Cougars return to action on Saturday, Jan. 21 when they square off against Williams Baptist (Ark.) College. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. in the Arena at Southwell Complex.
January 14, 2006
Missouri Baptist trips up Columbia in AMC battle
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar basketball team suffered just its fourth loss of the season tonight, falling to American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Missouri Baptist University 74-75. Columbia, which is ranked No. 18 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, drops to 15-4 overall and 1-1 in league action. The Spartans, who hold the No. 12 spot in the latest ranking, are 2-0 in AMC play and 16-4 overall.
The Cougars never trailed in the first half and held a 35-34 lead over the Spartans at halftime. However, Missouri Baptist battled back shooting an impressive 57 percent from the field in the second half. Although Columbia held the rebounding edge on the Spartans, 40-24, Cougar big men Sean Washington, Bryant Chambly and Mikel Fields were saddled with foul trouble, giving the Spartans the advantage in the paint and eventually giving them the one-point victory.
Nahowan Saxon led the Cougars with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Terren Wilson chipped in 15 and Ryan Steinhoff had 10. Franklin Penn led the Spartans with 25 points.
Columbia returns to the hardwood on Thursday, Jan. 19. The Cougars host the Bearcats from McKendree (Ill.) College at 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex. The Bearcats are 0-1 in league play and 9-10 on the season.
January 14, 2006
Lady Cougars top William Woods
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team continued American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season action with a win today, topping William Woods (Mo.) University 73-71 in triple overtime. Columbia improves to 2-0 in AMC action with today’s win. The Lady Cougars are 8-9 overall. Today’s loss drops the Owls to 8-6 overall and 1-1 vs. AMC foes.
The Lady Cougars led William Woods 29-26 at halftime. The Lady Cougars held the visiting squad to just nine field goals in the first half.
William Woods fought back in the second half outscoring Columbia 24-21 to push the game into overtime. The Owls’ matched the Lady Cougars’ scoring in the first two overtimes to push the game to a third overtime. Junior LeAnn Fossum hit a baseline jumper with three seconds to go to give Columbia the two-point victory.
Columbia notched a 58-35 rebounding edge in the game. The Lady Cougars dropped in 15 points off of 22 offensive rebounds.
Jessica Wilkerson and Rachel Davis paced the Lady Cougars with 19 points a piece. Fossum added 14 points. Wilkerson pulled in a team high 15 rebounds.
The Cougar women’s basketball squad is in Lebanon, Ill. on Tuesday, Jan. 17 for its next AMC match-up. Columbia faces McKendree (Ill.) College at 7 p.m.
January 12, 2006
Cougars start AMC regular season with a road victory
St. Louis, Mo. – The Cougar basketball team had to battle to pick up their fifth straight victory tonight with a 77-72 win over American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University. The Cougars, who are ranked No. 17 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll, improve to 15-3 on the season and 1-0 in league play. The loss drops the Hornets to 1-15 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
The Cougars once again started slow on the road and trailed by as many as 20 points during the first 20 minutes of play. Columbia managed to score the final five points of the first half to only trail by fifteen, 38-23, going into the locker rooms.
Columbia took their first lead of the game eight minutes into the second half, 50-47, on a Terren Wilson three-pointer. Harris-Stowe then converted on their next trip to cut the lead to one. Terrance Smith followed with a three of his own to put Columbia back up four. The Cougars were unable to stop Harris-Stowe on their next possession allowing the Hornets to get back within two.
Wilson replied scoring five consecutive points on a lay-up and three-pointer on the next two possessions to give the Cougars a seven point lead, their biggest lead of the game.
Harris-Stowe battled back to tie the game at 63 with four minutes to play. Two baskets by Wilson and a Justin Falker lay- up put the Cougars back up six.
Columbia was able to hold off the Hornets for the remaining three minutes of play and converted eight of ten free throws to come away with the five point win.
Three Cougars finished in double figures led by Smith and Wilson, both with 23 points. Bryant Chambly finished with 12 points. Wilson and Chambly led Columbia in rebounding, both pulling down five boards.
Melvin Martin paced the Hornets with 21 points and 7 rebounds.
The Cougars continue AMC play this Saturday, Jan. 14 when they travel to AMC rival and No. 12 ranked Missouri Baptist (Mo.) University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Columbia returns home next Thursday, Jan. 19 as they continue conference play against McKendree (Ill.) College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
January 12, 2006
Lady Cougars sign Michelle Senf
Columbia, Mo. – Columbia College women’s basketball coach Mike Davis officially announced today that Michelle Senf, a senior at Mehlville High School in St. Louis, Mo., has signed a national letter of intent to play basketball for the Lady Cougars beginning next season.
Senf, a 5’11” guard/forward, is currently in her final season at Mehlville averaging a double-double, posting 16.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. Senf has led the Mehlville squad to a 12-1 record this season and a No.6 ranking in Class 5.
This is the third recruit that Davis has signed for next season. Whitney Widaman, a senior at Mexico High School, was the Lady Cougars' first commitment in early November. Widaman's AAU teammate Whitney Davis, a senior at Boonville High School and Coach Davis' daughter, has also signed to play at Columbia next season.
As a junior, Senf earned first team all-state honors leading her team to a 21-6 record and an appearance at the State Sectionals. In addition, she was chosen as an Honorable Mention All-Metro player and is a three-time All-Conference selection.
Half way through her senior season, Senf has accumulated 1,127 point and 938 rebounds. Davis believes Senf will provide an immediate impact for the Lady Cougars upon arrival. “Michelle is a skilled competitor. She is a winner and we are looking forward to her arrival next fall.”
January 11, 2006
Cougars climb to No. 18 in Top 25 poll
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar basketball team continued its rise up the NAIA Division I Top 25 Rating today, moving from No. 20 to No. 18 in this week’s poll. The Cougars, who are 14-3 on the season and have won four consecutive games, pulled in 140 votes in the rating.
Union (Tenn.) University replaced Mountain State (W.Va.) University as the No. 1 ranked team with a 13-1 record, after defeating Mountain State 104-98 (OT) last week. Mountain State dropped to No. 2, collecting 313 votes. Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University fell into the No. 3 position with a 14-1 record. Oklahoma Baptist University moved into the No. 4 position and Robert Morris (Ill.) College held at No. 5.
Columbia’s American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe, Missouri Baptist University jumped from No. 13 to No. 12. The Spartans are 14-4 on the season. The Cougars face Missouri Baptist on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. in St. Louis, Mo.
The Cougars open AMC play this Thursday, Jan. 12 when they travel to St. Louis, Mo. to take on Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
January 10, 2006
Lady Cougars start AMC regular season with win
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team picked up an 88-52 victory over American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University tonight, improving to 7-9 overall and 1-0 in league play. The loss drops the Hornets to 1-16 overall and 0-1 in conference play.
The Lady Cougars jumped out to an early lead to take the 40-21 advantage into the locker room at halftime. Columbia turned up the defensive pressure in the second half, holding the Hornets to just nine field goals and outscoring Harris-Stowe 48-31 to take the 36-point victory.
Six Lady Cougars finished in double figures led by Rachel Davis with 22 points. Valarie Suarez and Jessica Wilkerson added 16 and 13 points, respectively. LeAnn Fossum and Amanda Koetting chipped in 12 points a piece, and Helen Ogunjimi ended with 10 points. Fossum was the top rebounder with nine. Shatyne Hearn paced the Hornets with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
The Lady Cougars are idle until Saturday, Jan. 14 when they host AMC rival William Woods (Mo.) University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
January 7, 2006
Lady Cougars fall to Park,
Cougars win fourth straight
Parkville, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team fell to Park (Mo.) University today, 48-61. The Lady Cougars fall to 6-9 with the loss.
The Lady Cougars trailed the Pirates 18-26 at halftime. Columbia shot just 10 percent from behind the arc in the second half, while Park managed to drop in 50 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc to outscore the Lady Cougars 30-35 in the second half. In addition, the Pirates swiped seven steals and forced 17 Lady Cougar turnovers in the contest.
Jessica Wilkerson led the Lady Cougars with 14 points. Valarie Suarez totaled 11 rebounds in the contest. Cherrale Ricks paced Park with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lady Cougars return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 10 when they host American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Harris-Stowe (Mo.) State University at 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia College men’s basketball team avenged one of their three losses of the season with today’s 82-69 win over Lyon (Ark.) College. The Scots defeated the Cougars 69-71 in Arkansas on Nov. 19. Columbia, which is ranked No. 20 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improves to 14-3. Lyon falls to 6-6 with today’s loss.
In the first half, Cougar guard Terren Wilson posted 10 points on a four of nine shooting performance to give Columbia a 38-32 advantage at halftime. The Scots played close to even with the Cougars in the second half, but Columbia was able to pull ahead with a 52 percent shooting performance from the field leading to the 13-point victory. The Cougars forced Lyon into 14 turnovers resulting in 20 Cougar points.
Wilson finished the day with a career-high 25 points. Terrance Smith was also in double figures for Columbia with 16 points. Bryant Chambly added 14 points and Mikel Fields ended with 10. Norris Weintz led the Scots with 27 points.
The Cougars travel to St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday, Jan. 12 to take on Harris-Stowe State University in their first AMC match-up of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
January 4, 2006
Lady Cougars Defeat Lyon College 70-56
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team improved to 6-8 tonight, defeating Lyon (Mo.) College 70-56. The Pipers fall to 5-8 on the season.
Columbia built an early lead in the first half, and led going into the locker rooms 29-22. The Lady Cougars held the Pipers to a 40 percent shooting performance in the second half. Columbia connected on 59 percent of their field goal attempts, outscoring Lyon 41-34 in the final 20 minutes of regulation to take the 14-point victory.
Five players scored in double figures for Columbia, led by LeAnn Fossum with 21 points. Helen Ogunjimi and Amanda Koetting added 12 points a piece and Valarie Suarez and Jessica Wilkerson posted 11 and 10 points, respectively. Wilkerson was the top rebounder with 11.
Prescilla Mathias paced Lyon with 18 points.
Columbia returns to the hardwood Saturday, Jan. 7 in Parkville, Mo. to take on Park (Mo.) University at 2 p.m. The Lady Cougars were defeated by Park in Columbia on Dec. 6 by a score of 52-61.
January 4, 2006
Cougars jump to No. 20 in the first top 25 rating of 2006
Columbia, Mo. – With its 13-3 record in 2005, the Columbia Cougar men’s basketball team has earned the No. 20 spot in the latest NAIA Division I Top 25. The Cougars garnered 114 points in this week’s poll that was released earlier today.
This week’s top five consists of Mountain State (W. Va.) University holding the No. 1 position, Asuza Pacific (Calif.) University at No. 2 and Union (Tenn.) University at three. Oklahoma Christian University and Robert Morris (Ill.) College round out the top five.
Columbia’s American Midwest Conference (AMC) rival Missouri Baptist University slipped from No. 11 to No. 13 this week. The Spartans are 12-4 on the season.
The Cougars are slated for a 2 p.m. showdown with Lyon (Ark.) College on Saturday, Jan. 5 in the Arena of Southwell Complex. The Cougars lost on the road earlier this season to Lyon by two points back on November 19, 69-71.
January 3, 2006
Lady Cougars open 2006 with a loss
Marshall, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougars suffered their first loss of 2006 tonight, falling to the Vikings from Missouri Valley College 60-77. The Lady Cougars fall to 5-8 on the season. The win moves improves Missouri Valley's overall record to 6-7.
The Vikings controlled the contest from the opening tip starting the game with an 8-0 run. The Lady Cougars then responded with their own eight point run to tie the score five minutes into the first half. The two teams traded baskets for the remainder of the half with Columbia taking a one point lead into the locker room, 26-25, on an Amanda Koetting 3-point basket during the final seconds of play.
Sloppy play dominated the first 20 minutes with the Lady Cougars and Vikings combining for 23 first half turnovers.
Missouri Valley took back the lead early in the second half and never looked back. The Lady Cougars closed the gap to four points with five minutes remaining on back-to-back 3-pointers by Koetting. However, Missouri Valley outscored Columbia 22-9 during the final five minutes to take the 17 point win.
Keotting led Columbia in scoring with 18 points. Valarie Suarez and Jessica Wilkerson each chipped in 10 points.
The Vikings were led in scoring by Judith Crespo’s 22 points.
The Lady Cougars return to action tomorrow night when they host Lyon College (5-6) in the Arena of Southwell Complex. Columbia defeated Lyon earlier this season in Batesville, Ark. by two points, 66-64. Tip-off for tomorrow night’s contest is scheduled for 7 p.m.