December 2005 Headlines
December 31, 2005
Cougars Handle Brescia,
Lady Cougars Defeat Robert Morris
Columbia, Mo. – The Lady Cougars and Cougars finished the Cartridge World/Cougars vs. Cancer Classic with a 3-1 record today with the women picking up a 75-65 victory over Robert Morris (Ill.) College and the men prevailing over Brescia (Ky.) University 71-60. The victory for the Columbia men’s squad moves its overall mark to 13-3. The Lady Cougars improve to 5-7 on the season with their victory over Robert Morris.
The Lady Cougars led Robert Morris 42-30 at halftime. In the second half Columbia capitalized on 11 Eagle turnovers and 29 percent shooting from the field. Columbia shot 40 percent from the field for the game to secure the 10 point win.
Pacing the Lady Cougars was Laura Elliot with 24 points. LeAnn Fossum chipped in 16, Valarie Suarez ended with 14 and Jessica Wilkerson dropped in ten for the Lady Cougars. Fossum was the leading rebounder with 11. Shanice White paced Robert Morris with 21 points.
In the men’s game, it was a close fought battle at the break with the two teams knotted at 27. In the second half Columbia was able to push ahead in the final minutes of action and pull away to take the 11 point victory.
Leading the effort for Columbia was Bryant Chambly with 23 points. Terren Wilson added 17 points and Terrance Smith chipped in 11. Matt West and Dane Russell paced Brescia with 18 points a piece.
In today's other games, Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College defeated William Woods (Mo.) University 72-51 in women’s action. In the 4 p.m. men’s game, Taylor (Ind.) University defeated Central Methodist (Mo.) University 60-49.
Following the final game of the classic, a five-player all-classic team, as well as a most valuable player, was named for the men and the women. Players named to the men’s squad included Matt West and Dane Russell from Brescia, Anthony Love from Central Methodist, Eric Ford from Taylor and Terren Wilson from Columbia. Cougar forward Bryant Chambly received most valuable player accolades.
Members of the all-classic women’s squad included Shenita McPhatter from Robert Morris, Shanna Lonsberry from William Woods, Krystal Jackson from Lindsey Wilson and Laura Elliot and LeAnn Fossum from Columbia College. Lindsey Wilson forward Terran Duncan was named the classic’s most valuable player.
The Lady Cougars return to action on Tuesday, Jan. 3 when they travel to Marshall, Mo. to face Missouri Valley College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. The men square off against Lyon (Ark.) College on Saturday, Jan. 7 in The Arena of Southwell Complex. Start time is slated for 2 p.m.
December 30, 2005
Lady Cougars fall to Lindsey Wilson,
Cougars start Classic with a win
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team fell to Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College tonight by a score of 49-61, while the Cougar men defeated Taylor (Ind.) University 64-58 in the first day of the Cartridge World/Cougars vs. Cancer Classic. With the loss, the Lady Cougars drop to 4-7. The victory pushes the men’s squad to 12-3 overall. The win moves the Blue Raiders to 9-5. The Trojans from Taylor, ranked No. 10 in the NAIA Division II Top 25 poll, falls to 14-2.
In women’s action, the Lady Cougars led 26-18 at halftime. Columbia outrebounded the Blue Raiders 23-17 in the first frame and hauled in 12 rebounds on the offensive end.
In the second half, the Lady Cougars continued to dominate on the boards, led by Helen Ogunjimi with 13 boards. But offense proved to be the key as Lindsey Wilson shot 50 percent from the field in the second half compared to Columbia’s 27 percent. The Blue Raiders took advantage of every offensive opportunity and eventually walked away with the 12-point victory.
LeAnn Fossum led Columbia in the scoring with 16 points. Valarie Suarez added 12 points and three steals. Terran Duncan lead Lindsey Wilson with 21 points.
In the men’s contest, Taylor matched the Cougars at halftime with a 29-29 score. Columbia and the Trojans continued to battle in the second half, however the Cougars were able to stay one step ahead down the stretch and come away with the six-point win.
Columbia pulled in 38 rebounds and shot 45 percent from the field. Terren Wilson led Columbia with 14 points. Bryant Chambly and Marcus Bradford added 12 points a piece and Terrance Smith chipped in 11. Bradford was the leading rebounder with ten leading to his first double-double of the season.
In early action of the classic, William Woods (Mo.) University defeated Robert Morris (Ky.) College 66-59 in the 2 p.m. women’s contest. Brescia (Ky.) University defeated Central Methodist (Mo.) University 59-55 in the 4 p.m. men’s match-up.
Action continues tomorrow in the Cartridge World/Cougars vs. Cancer Classic. Lindsey Wilson College will face William Woods University at 2 p.m. in women’s action. Central Methodist University will face Taylor University at 4 p.m. in men’s action. The Lady Cougars will take on Robert Morris College at 6 p.m. and the Cougars will take on Brescia University at 8 p.m.
December 17, 2005
Lady Cougars suffer defeat vs. No. 6 Oklahoma Baptist
Parkville, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougars suffered a loss tonight, falling to Oklahoma Baptist University 65-67. With the loss, the Lady Cougars drop to 4-6. The win moves No. 6 ranked Oklahoma Baptist to 10-0 on the season.
Oklahoma Baptist controlled the contest right away opening with an 11-0 run. However the Lady Cougars were able to come back to tie the game 32-32 at the half. The two teams traded the lead throughout the second half leading to a very exciting ball game. With Just under five seconds remaining the score was tied at 65 and the Lady Bison’s had the ball. Oklahoma Baptist was able to convert and put themselves up by two. The Lady Cougars managed to get a shot off in the final seconds that did not fall, leading to the two-point loss. The Lady Cougars were outrebounded 42-28.
LeAnn Fossum led the Cougars in scoring with 23 points. Laura Elliot also chipped in 12 points.
The Lady Cougars return to action in two weeks when they take part in the Cougars vs. Cancer Holiday Classic. The Lady Cougars will face Lindsey Wilson College at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30 and Robert Morris College at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31. Game times for the event, which will feature men’s and women’s basketball teams from Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana, are slated for 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. both days. All games will take place at The Arena of Southwell Complex. A portion of the proceeds raised during the event will directly benefit the American Cancer Society.
December 15, 2005
Columbia tops St. Louis Christian 98-53
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar men’s basketball team recorded a win tonight defeating the Soldiers of St. Louis Christian (Mo.) 98-53. The win improves the Cougars to 11-3 on the season. The loss drops the Soldiers to 10-4.
Columbia jumped out to a 44-24 first half lead shooting 41 percent from the field.
The Cougars continued their sharp shooting in the second 20 minutes of action connecting on 51 percent of their shots. Columbia outscored the Soldiers 54-29 in the second half to come away with the 45 point win. Columbia forced St. Louis Christian into 33 turnovers in the game, leading to 41 Cougar points.
Columbia had five players reach double digit points this evening. Leading the way for the Cougars was Terrance Smith with 16. Nahowan Saxon and Bryant Chambly both ended with 15. Mikel Fields and Marcus Bradford each chipped in 11. Chambly also pulled down 13 boards to post his first double-double of the season.
Nathan Loker and Joshua Braddock scored 15 and 13 points, respectively, for St. Louis Christian.
The Cougars return to the hardwood on Dec. 30-31 when they, along with the Lady Cougars, host the 4th Annual Cougars vs. Cancer Classic presented by Cartridge World to benefit the American Cancer Society. Games will take place at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. The Cougars will play the 8 p.m. contest each evening. Men’s teams participating in the event include Central Methodist (Mo.) University, Taylor (Ind.) University and Brescia (Ky.) University. Columbia will take on Taylor on Friday, Dec. 30 and Brescia on Saturday, Dec. 31.
Tickets will be $8 for adults and $6 for students. The Cougar Athletic Department will donate $2 of each ticket sold to the American Cancer Society. Cartridge World will also donate $1 for each ticket sold during the two day classic.
December 10, 2005
Slow start leads to Cougar loss at Missouri Valley
Marshall, Mo. – The Cougar basketball squad failed to make it eight straight victories tonight falling to the Vikings from Missouri Valley College. Columbia, who is ranked No. 24 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, started slow and never hit their stride losing 57-62. Columbia drops to 10-3 on the season.
Coming off a 106 point outing last night, the Cougars struggled offensively during the first 20 minutes of action. The combination of numerous turnovers, one for ten from 3-point range and falling behind by as many as 11 points led to a 23-32 halftime deficit for the Cougars.
Columbia’s offensive struggles continued going scoreless until 3:42 into the second half and falling behind by 13 points. The Cougars slowly worked their way back into the game fueled by an eight point run at the ten minute mark. Brock Perkins hit back-to-back threes followed by a Bryant Chambly steal and dunk cut the Viking lead to one point with seven minutes to play.
Missouri Valley then put together their own seven point run giving them an eight point lead. The Vikings never looked back and converted from the line to take the five point win. The Vikings improve to 6-5 on the season.
Two players scored in double figures for Columbia, paced by Terrance Smith’s 15 points. All of Smith's baskets came from behind the 3-point arc. Chambly was the other Cougar in double figures with 12 points.
Columbia shot 37 percent from the field, 50 percent from the line and 28 percent from 3-point range. Columbia outrebounded the Vikings 37-34.
Missouri Valley was led in scoring by Damon Collins’ 17 points.
The Cougars' next game will be Thursday, December 15 when they host St. Louis Christian (Mo.) in the Arena of Southwell Complex at 7 p.m. Prior to the Cougars’ game Belle will take on Southern Boone in high school boys action. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
December 10, 2005
Lady Cougars fall to No. 21 ranked John Brown University
Siloam Springs, Ark. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team suffered their fifth loss of the season this afternoon, falling to John Brown University by a score of 66-73. The Lady Cougars are now 4-5 on the season. The Golden Eagles, who are ranked No. 21 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll, improve to 8-3.
Columbia was down just three points, 66-69, with the ball and 15 seconds remaining on the clock until they were called for an offensive foul allowing the Golden Eagles to take the seven point victory.
"We shot the ball better today then the past few games but it still wasn't enough to beat a very good senior led ball club," stated head coach Mike Davis.
The Lady Cougars shot 45 percent from the field for the game.
Amanda Koetting led the Lady Cougars in scoring and rebounding with 19 points and seven boards. Laura Elliot added 15 points and Jessica Wilson chipped in 11.
The Lady Cougars are idle until next Saturday, Dec. 17 when they travel to Parkville, Mo. for a rematch with Oklahoma Baptist University. Columbia fell to the Lady Bison, who are ranked No. 7 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll, in Shawnee, Okla. on Nov. 21 by ten points, 68-78.
December 9, 2005
Cougars blitz Concordia Seminary
Columbia, Mo. – The Cougar basketball squad pushed their winning streak to seven games tonight with a convincing win over the Preachers from Concordia Seminary (Mo.) in the Arena of Southwell Complex. The Cougars, who are ranked No. 24 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, overpowered Concordia Seminary (Mo.) the entire game leading to the 106-46 victory. Columbia improves to 10-2 on the season.
The Cougars hit on all cylinders offensively and defensively during the first half of play. Columbia shot 65 percent from the field during the first 20 minutes and did not allow a Preacher bucket until eight minutes into the first half. High pressure defense and good ball movement allowed the Cougars to take a commanding 48-13 lead into the locker room.
Columbia continued to dominate Concordia in the second half, outscoring the Preachers by 25 points to record the 60 point victory.
Three players scored in double figures for Columbia, paced by Brock Perkins’ career high 20 points coming off the bench. Perkins was seven of eight from the field including six of seven from behind the 3-point arc. Sean Washington added 12 points. Mikel Fields dropped in 11 points going seven of eight from the line. Fields and Washington led the Cougars in rebounding with 12 and 10 boards, respectively.
Columbia shot 56.5 percent from the field, 54.2 percent from the line and 68.2 percent from 3-point range.
The Preachers were led in scoring by Jonathan Fisk’s 24 points.
The Cougars look for their eighth straight win tomorrow when they travel to Marshall, Missouri to take on Missouri Valley College at 7 p.m. Listen to all the action on www.columbiacougars.com. Kyle Elfrink’s pregame show will begin at 6:50 p.m. CST.
The Cougars' next home game will be Thursday, December 15 when they host St. Louis Christian (Mo.) in the Arena of Southwell Complex at 7 p.m. Prior to the Cougars' game, Belle will take on Southern Boone in high school boys action. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
December 7, 2005
Cougars climb to No. 24 in latest NAIA Top 25 Poll
Columbia, Mo. – In the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Top 25 Rating, the Columbia Cougar men’s basketball squad climbed to No. 24 after sitting in the No. 30 position in the preseason poll. The Cougars, who are 9-2 on the season, tallied 72 votes.
Mountain State (W.Va.) University holds the No. 1 spot with 11 first place votes and a 9-0 record. Oklahoma Christian University is second, also posting a perfect 9-0 record, followed by LSU-Shreveport (La.) University at 12-0. Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University is fourth, followed by Union (Tenn.) University at No. 5.
Columbia’s American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Missouri Baptist University moved up ten spots to No. 14 in this week’s rating. The Spartans, who are 10-3 overall, totaled 168 votes.
The Cougar men’s basketball squad is in action on Friday, Dec. 9 in the Arena of Southwell Complex vs. Concordia Seminary (Mo.) University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
December 6, 2005
Lady Cougar basketball team falls to Park
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team suffered their fourth loss of the season tonight, falling to visiting Park (Mo.) University by a score of 52-61. The Lady Cougars, who are ranked No. 20 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll, are now 4-4 on the season. The Pirates improve to 5-6.
The Lady Cougars shot a cold 29.6 percent in the first half. Park shot over 37 percent from the field, knocking down seven field goals from behind the arc and holding Columbia to just two. Park led Columbia 30-22 heading into the locker rooms.
In the second half, the tables turned as the Lady Cougars shot 36 percent from the field compared to Park’s 29 percent. However the charity stripe proved to be the difference in the end as Park converted 65 percent of their free throws while Columbia made only 33 percent of their attempts.
Leading the way for Columbia was Jessica Wilkerson with 15 points and five assists. Laura Elliot added 11 points. LeAnn Fossum was the team’s leading rebounder with nine boards.
LaTasha Johnson was the top scorer for Park with 12 points. Jessica Stanley tossed in 11.
Tonight’s game will be broadcast on KZOU this Sunday, Dec. 11 at 11:00 a.m.
The Lady Cougars are on the road this weekend to compete against John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark. Tip-off is slated for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10.
December 6, 2005
Obunaga and Branco named NAIA All-Americans
Columbia, Mo. – Two members of the 2005 Columbia College volleyball squad have been named NAIA All-Americans. Rose Obunaga and Luana Branco were selected for the national honor by a committee of NAIA volleyball coaches from across the country based on their contributions to the Cougar volleyball program during the 2005 season.
Obunaga was one of 12 players selected for first team accolades. Branco garnered a spot on the Honorable Mention team. The duo was also honored for their performance at the NAIA National Tournament in San Diego, Calif. last week, earning all-tournament team honors.
A complete list of the 2005 NAIA All-America volleyball squads can be found at www.naia.org.
Obunaga, who made her debut in Cougar navy and silver this season, played in 159 of Columbia’s 160 games as a middle hitter. The senior from Nairobi, Kenya totaled 830 kills for the season giving her an average of 5.2 per game. In addition, Obunaga was second on the team in digs, notching 561 on the season. She also logged 42 service aces.
A freshman setter from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Branco also made her first appearance as a Cougar in 2005. Branco led her club in assists, recording 1,755 in 159 games for an average of 11 per game. Branco also posted the highest attack percentage on the team, turning 53 percent of her attack attempts into kills. For the season, Branco logged 250 kills in 433 attempts.
Obunaga and Branco were also named to the 12-person all-region squad as well as the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) all-region team for the 2005 season.
The Cougar volleyball squad finished the 2005 campaign as the runner-up at the NAIA National Championship, falling to California Baptist University in the championship match. Under sixth-year head coach Melinda Wrye-Washington, the Cougars ended the season with a mark of 41-5 and ranked No. 10 in the final top 25 rating. Coach Washington holds the highest winning percentage for active coaches.
December 3, 2005
Cougar Volleyball Squad fall in National Championship match
San Diego, Calif. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball squad was unable to close out its miracle march through the NAIA National Tournament tonight, falling to California Baptist University 26-30, 29-31 and 28-30 in the NAIA National Championship match.
The Cougars, who were the seventh seed entering the 20-team national playoff, end their season with a record of 41-5. The second-ranked Lancers complete their championship season with a mark of 34-5, winning the program’s second consecutive national title.
Leading the effort for Columbia was Rose Obunaga with 15 kills, eight blocks and 12 digs. Nancy Sikobe added 10 kills. Luana Branco totaled 36 assists. Jenna Holdmeyer chipped in 16 digs.
The Cougars marched through the 2005 national tournament with a 6-1 record, going 4-0 in pool play and 2-1 in the championship bracket. Columbia recorded victories over Cedarville University (Ohio), Doane College (Neb.), College of Saint Mary (Neb.) and California Baptist University to prevail as the top team in its pool. The Cougars then knocked off Houston Baptist University (Texas) in five games during quarterfinal action and Missouri Baptist University in a four-game thriller to advance to the title match before falling to California Baptist in a three game heartbreaker.
Following the match, Obunaga and Branco were named to the all-tournament squad.
December 3, 2005
Cougars notch 41-point win over East-West
Push win streak to six games
Deerfield, Ill. – The Columbia Cougar men’s basketball team defeated East-West University tonight, 108-67, in the Trinity International tournament championship game. The win moves Columbia to 9-2 on the season and pushes its win streak to six games, dating back to Nov. 21. The loss drops East-West to 6-7.
Columbia led East-West 47-30 at halftime. The Cougars really hit their offensive stride in the second half and dominated the game. Columbia outscored East-West by 24 in the second half to come away with the 41-point victory.
Terrance Smith led the effort for Columbia with 39 points and six rebounds. Also in double figures were Sean Washington and Nahowan Saxon with 11 and ten points, respectively.
Darnell Coleman paced East-West with 16 points.
The Cougars are idle until Friday, Dec. 9 when they host Concordia Seminary (Mo.) University. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
December 3, 2005
Volleyball Cougars advance to NAIA National Championship match
San Diego, Calif. – For the sixth time in eight years, the Columbia Cougar volleyball program has earned the opportunity to play for the NAIA National Championship. Columbia, who was the seventh seed entering the 20-team national playoff, defeated Missouri Baptist University this afternoon in the semifinals of the NAIA National Tournament at Point Loma Nazarene University by scores of 30-28, 30-21, 27-30 and 30-23 to win a spot in the title contest. Columbia holds an overall record of 41-4.
Columbia will take on the Lancers from California Baptist University in the Championship, which is slated for approximately 9:30 p.m. (CST) tonight. California Baptist is the No. 2 seed in the tournament. The Lancers defeated the No. 3 seeded Madonna University in five games to advance to the Championship.
Leading the effort in the win over Missouri Baptist was Rose Obunaga and Alice Mucheke with 14 kills a piece. Nancy Sikobe added 13 kills. Rael Rotich contributed ten kills. Luana Branco chipped in eight kills, 45 assists, 16 digs and three serve aces.
The Columbia volleyball program has three national titles to its credit, winning in 1998, 1999 and 2001. This national championship match appearance is the fourth in head coach Melinda Wrye-Washington’s six-year stint at the helm of the Cougar program. She holds a 1-2 record in national championship matches. Columbia was defeated by Dickinson State (N.D.) University in 2000, but rebounded to defeat National American (S.D.) University in 2001 to take home the championship. Two years ago the Cougars fell to Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University in four games.
December 2, 2005
Cougar Volleyball prevails through quarterfinals
San Diego, Calif. – In the quarterfinal round of the NAIA Volleyball National Tournament the Columbia Cougars swept the Huskies from Houston Baptist (Texas) University 30-25, 20-30, 26-30, 30-25, 15-11. The Cougars improve their overall record to 40-4.
Columbia emerged as the first-place team in their pool with a 4-0 pool play record after besting second-seeded California Baptist in four games this morning. In their 12th appearance, the Cougars have qualified for the quarterfinals nine times, advancing further six of those times. With three national titles to its legacy (1998, 1999, 2001), Columbia will be ready for tough competition. Senior Rose Obunaga averaged 6.5 kills per game through pool play and Luana Branco dished out 12.36 assists per game.
With tonight’s win the Cougars advance to the semifinal round against American Midwest Conference and Region V rival Missouri Baptist University on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2:30 p.m. Should the Cougars prevail in the semifinal round, they will advance to the championship match at 9:30 p.m.
All games will be broadcasted and will include a pre-game show as well as play-by-play, beginning approximately 5 minutes prior to each match.
For a complete list all upcoming Cougar broadcasts and other Cougar Athletic Department information, log on to www.columbiacougars.com.
December 2, 2005
Basketball Cougars down Indiana Tech
Deerfield, Ill. – The Columbia Cougar men’s basketball team improved its record to a 8-2 mark tonight, dropping Indiana Tech University 61-50 in the first day of the Trinity International Tournament.
Columbia led Indiana Tech 33-27 at halftime and immediately went on an 8-0 run shutting down Indiana Tech’s offence to start the second half. From then on the Cougars never looked back and dominated the rest of the contest.
Marcus Bradford led Columbia’s scoring effort with 14 points. The junior guard also pulled in six rebounds. Nahowan Saxon finished with 10 points, and Bryant Chambly chipped in seven rebounds.
Action continues tomorrow in the two-day Tournament in Deerfield, Ill. At 6 p.m. the Cougars will compete in the Championship game against the winner of East-West University and Trinity International University.
December 2, 2005
Volleyball Cougars complete pool play unblemished
San Diego, Calif. – The Cougar volleyball squad wrapped up pool play this morning, downing California Baptist University by scores of 34-32, 30-28, 20-30 and 30-22. Columbia finishes pool play will a perfect 4-0 record, and moves their overall record to 39-4.
As she has done all tournament long, Rose Obunaga led the Cougars to victory over the Lancers with 24 kills. Rael Rotich and Luana Branco each chipped in 8 kills a piece. Branco also had 36 assists in the victory.
The top two teams from each of the four pools in the NAIA National Tournament advance to the quarterfinal round tonight, Friday, Dec. 3. quarterfinal matches are scheduled for 8 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. on Friday. The Cougars placed first in their pool and will play Houston Baptist (Texas) University in the 10:15 p.m. quarterfinal game.
Should the Cougars prevail tonight, they will advance to the semifinal round tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 3. Semifinal matches are slated for noon and 2 p.m. followed by the championship match at 9:30 p.m. All listed match times are Central Standard Time.
All games will be broadcasted and will include a pre-game show as well as play-by-play, beginning approximately 5 minutes prior to each match.
For a complete list all upcoming Cougar broadcasts and other Cougar Athletic Department information, log on to www.columbiacougars.com.
December 1, 2005
Volleyball Cougars stay undefeated in pool play
San Diego, Calif. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball squad swept through the second day of the NAIA National Tournament with a 2-0 mark, downing Doane (Neb.) College by scores of 30-25, 30-24, 32-25, and the College of Saint Mary (Neb.) 28-30, 30-17, 30-27, 30-25. Columbia, which is now 38-4 on the season, is 3-0 in pool play.
Versus Doane, Obunaga led the effort for the Cougars with 20 kills. Alice Mucheke tallied 13 kills, and Rael Rotich posted nine kills. Luana Branco pulled in 40 assists and eight kills. Obunaga also ended with a team high 17 digs.
Against the Flames, Obunaga again led the Cougars, this time she posted 25 kills and six blocks. Nancy Sikobe came up big with 18 kills. Rotich tallied 16 kills and Mucheke ended with 12. Branco contributed a season high 60 assists in the match. Senior Libero Jenna Holdmeyer ended with 20 digs.
Columbia wraps up pool play tomorrow at 11 a.m. vs. California Baptist University.
The top two teams from each of the four pools advance to the quarterfinal round Friday night at 8 p.m. or 10:15 p.m. Semifinal matches are slated for noon and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, followed by the championship match at 9:30 p.m.
All match times are CST.
All games will be broadcasted and will include a pre-game and post-game show as well as play-by-play, beginning approximately 10 minutes prior to each match.
For a complete list all upcoming Cougar broadcasts and other Cougar Athletic Department information, log on to www.columbiacougars.com.