Columbia College Cougars

October 2005 Headlines

October 31, 2005
Cougar and Lady Cougar basketball to be broadcast on the web

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia College athletic department announced today that they will be broadcasting all men’s basketball games as well as women’s home basketball games on www.columbiacougars.com.

Tex Little has signed on to be the voice of the Cougars for the upcoming basketball seasons. Broadcasts will begin tomorrow night with the Lady Cougars’ home and season opener against MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) University at 7 p.m. The first Cougar men’s basketball broadcast will be Thursday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. from St. Charles, Mo. against Lindenwood (Mo.) University.

All broadcasts will include a pre-game and post-game show as well as play-by-play, beginning at approximately 15 minutes prior to tip-off.

The Cougar athletic department plans to expand future broadcasts to include volleyball, soccer and softball.

For a complete list of upcoming games and other Cougar athletic information log on to www.columbiacougars.com.

October 29, 2005
Volleyball Cougars notch a split in second day of tournament,
Soccer Cougars fall to No. 17 Mid-Continent

Omaha, Neb. – After dropping two opponents in yesterday’s action, the Columbia Cougar volleyball squad recorded a split in the College of St. Mary Invitational today, downing Lee (Tenn.) University by scores of 30-27, 30-25, and 30-24, and falling to National America (S.D.) University 16-30, 30-32, 23-30. The split moves the Cougars, who are ranked No. 8 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Rating, to 29-2 on the season. They finish the two-day event with a 3-1 record.

Rose Obunaga led the effort vs. Lee, notching 19 kills and 26 digs. Doris Wafwafwa had 14 kills, 15 digs, and Luana Branco added 38 assists.

Against National America Obunaga again led the Cougars with 12 kills and eight digs. Wafwafwa posted nine kills and six digs. Branco contributed 24 assists.

Columbia returns home Friday, November 4 as they host AMC foe Harris-Stowe State University (Mo.). Seniors Jenna Holdmeyer, Lacey Harter and Rose Obunaga will be honored as they play their final regular season match in the Arena of Southwell Complex. First serve is scheduled for 7 pm.

Mayfield, Ky. - In soccer action the Cougars fell to No. 17 ranked Mid-Continent (Ky.) University, 1-2. Columbia, which is the 18th-ranked team in the NAIA, moves to 7-4-5 on the season. This was the Cougars’ final regular season contest.

Mid-Continent led the contest 2-0 until late in the second half when the Cougars scored their only goal when Marcos Fernandes scored off an assist by Matt Mueller

Tanner Mills and Nano Recondo shared the loss in goal for Columbia.

The Cougars will await the final American Midwest Conference (AMC) and Region V postseason ranking to determine their next contest.

October 28, 2005
Cougar volleyball starts Premier Classic 2-0

Omaha, Neb. - The Cougar volleyball team scored two wins during the first day of the Premier Classic hosted by the College of Saint Mary. Columbia, who is ranked No. 8 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll, moves their overall record to 28-1 on the season.

In the Cougars' first match they defeated No. 26 ranked Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) by the scores of 22-30, 30-26, 30-23, 27-30 and 15-8. The loss drops ONU's overall record to 21-13.

Rose Obunaga led the Cougars with 20 kills, 19 digs and eight blocks. Nancy Sikobe added 22 digs, five kills and 3 aces. Luana Branco contributed ten digs, eight kills, six blocks and 49 assists. Rael Rotich also put down eight kills while Jenna Holdmeyer notched five service aces.

This is the Cougars' second victory over ONU this season. The two teams previously met on October 15 with Columbia prevailing in four games by the scores of 26-30, 30-21, 31-29 30-28.

In the nightcap Columbia defeated classic host and No. 6 ranked College of Saint Mary (CSM) by the scores of 30-22, 30-24, 30-32, 26-30 and 15-10. The loss drops CSM's overall record to 25-4 on the season.

The Cougars were led again by Obunaga as she posted 29 kills, 18 digs, ten blocks and four aces. Doris Wefwafwa tallied 24 digs and 19 kills. Sikobe added 20 digs, six kills, three blocks and three aces. Branco finished match number two with 19 digs, eight kills, three aces and 54 assists.

Columbia returns to action tomorrow as they finish up play in the Premier Classic against No. 20 ranked Lee University (Tenn.) at 1:15 pm and No. 2 ranked National American University (S.D.) at 6 pm.

October 26, 2005
Cougar volleyball holds at No. 8 in Ranking,
Soccer squad drops three spots to No. 18

Columbia, Mo. – For the third straight week, the Columbia Cougar volleyball team held its No. 8 position in the NAIA Top 25 Poll. The latest ranking was released earlier today by the national office. The Cougars, who are 26-1 on the season, pulled in 222 points in the ranking. Columbia tallied a 2-0 finish last week, including wins over American Midwest Conference (AMC) foes the University of Illinois at Springfield and Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College.

Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University remained in the top spot with 12 first place nods and a 24-0 mark. National American (S.D.) University is second with one first place vote and a 25-0 record. California Baptist University is next in the No. 3 position, followed by Madonna (Mich.) University at No. 4, and Dickinson State (N.D.) University rounds out the top 5. Columbia’s AMC and Region V rival, Missouri Baptist University, remained in the No. 9 position.

The Cougars travel to Omaha, Neb. this weekend to compete in the Premier Classic, hosted by College of Saint Mary (CSM). On Friday at 3:45 pm Columbia will face No. 25 ranked Olivet Nazarene, who the Cougars defeated in four games on Oct. 15, followed by an 8:15 pm contest against host and No. 6 ranked CSM. On Sunday the Cougars face No. 20 ranked Lee University (Tenn.) at 1:15 pm and No. 2 ranked National American University (S.D.) at 6 pm.

In the latest soccer poll, the Cougars dropped from No. 15 to No. 18. Columbia, which is 7-3-5 overall, pulled in 93 points after going 0-1-1 last week.

Rio Grande (Ohio) University is in first place with 12 first place votes and a mark of 14-0-0. Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) University is second, followed by Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College at No. 3. Columbia’s AMC and Region V foe, Missouri Baptist University, is ranked No. 13. Lindenwood (Mo.) University, another Region V opponent holds the No. 24 spot.

The Cougars play their final game of the regular season on Saturday, Oct. 29. Columbia travels to Mayfield, Ky. to take on No. 17 ranked Mid-Continent (Ky.) University. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 pm.

October 26, 2005
Basketball preseason polls released

Columbia, Mo. – In the women’s basketball preseason rating, the Columbia Lady Cougars are ranked No. 20 with 99 points after finishing the 2004-05 season ranked No. 11. Columbia wrapped up last season with a record of 31-6 after advancing to the second round of the NAIA National Tournament for the second consecutive season.

The Lady Cougars are led by Mike Davis, who enters his fifth season as head coach of the program. In four seasons, Davis has totaled a record of 114-28, winning AMC titles in each of the program’s four seasons. The Lady Cougars return just three players this season, led by first team all-conference performer LeAnn Fossum.

Vanguard University holds the top spot in the preseason rating with all 11 first place votes and 330 points. Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University is second with 311 points. Oklahoma Christian University is third, followed by Union (Tenn.) University and The Master’s University at four and five, respectively.

American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe McKendree College’s women’s basketball squad was also recognized in the preseason rating, pulling in 36 points. In the AMC preseason poll, the Lady Cougars were picked as the favorite, followed by McKendree.

The Lady Cougars kickoff the 2005-06 campaign on Tuesday, Nov. 1 when they host MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) University. Tip-off is set for 7 pm.

In men’s basketball action, the Cougars received 27 votes and are ranked No. 30 in the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll, released today by the national office in Olathe, Kan. The Cougars totaled 27 points.

Columbia is under the direction of Bob Burchard, who enters his 18th season at the helm of the Cougar basketball program. The Cougars finished the 2004-05 campaign ranked No. 28 with a mark of 21-14 and advanced to the first round of the NAIA National Tournament. The Cougars return six players from last year’s squad.

Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University is ranked No. 1 with seven first place votes and 321 points. Mountain State (W.Va.) University is second with three first place votes and 317 points. Oklahoma Christian University is third, followed by Robert Morris (Ill.) University and Georgetown (Ky.) University.

Columbia’s AMC foe, McKendree College, is ranked No. 14 in the NAIA rating. Missouri Baptist University squeezed in the top 25 in the No. 24 position. The AMC preseason poll, released earlier this week, listed the McKendree Bearcats in the top spot, followed by Missouri Baptist and Columbia at No. 3.

October 25, 2005
Cougar volleyball victorious over William Woods in four games

Fulton, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team remained undefeated in American Midwest Conference (AMC) action tonight in Fulton, Mo., defeating the Owls from William Woods University 28-30, 30-15, 30-13 and 30-22. The Owls built on the emotion generated from pregame senior night presentations to win game one. But the Cougars rallied the final three games and cruised to a convincing win.

The victory moves the Cougars to 26-1 overall and 12-0 in conference play. Today’s loss drops the Owls to 9-15 overall and 6-6 in league action.

Columbia, who is ranked No. 8 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, was led offensively by Doris Wefwafwa's 11 kills, 21 digs and two blocks. Rose Obunaga tallied 11 kills, 20 digs and three blocks. Rael Rotich added 10 kills and two blocks. Luana Branco contributed 44 assists, 20 digs and three blocks.

CSM Head Coach Trish Siedlik has announced that Friday, October 28 will be "Scare the Cougars" night in addition to the Premier Classic. Anyone that who comes in costume will be judged by the crowd between games two and three for best costume. First prize will be awarded $100.

Sunday's matches do not get any easier for the Cougars as they face No. 20 ranked Lee University (Tenn.) at 1:15 pm and No. 2 ranked National American University (S.D.) at 6 pm.

October 22, 2005
Volleyball Cougars defeat Hannibal-LaGrange, improve to 25-1

Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia Cougar volleyball team picked up its second win this week, downing American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College by scores of 30-15, 30-17, and 30-19. The wins push the Cougars, who are ranked No. 8 in the NAIA Top 25, to 25-1 on the season and 11-0 in league play.

Rose Obunaga led the way with 21 kills, 13 digs, and three blocks. Doris Wefwafwa posted ten kills and 21 digs. Luana Branco added 42 assists. The Cougars finished the day with a total of eight service aces, including three from Nancy Sikobe.

The Cougars are back in action on Tuesday, Oct. 25 when they travel to Fulton, Mo. to take on AMC rival William Woods University. The first serve is slated for 7 p.m.

October 21, 2005
Bellevue drops Columbia soccer squad 2-1

Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia Cougar soccer squad suffered their third loss of the season tonight, falling to No. 21 Bellevue (Neb.) University 2-1. The loss moves Columbia’s overall mark to 7-3-5. The Cougars are ranked No. 15 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll.

Bellevue netted their first goal at the 21st minute mark, and then pulled ahead 2-0 with an early goal in the 2nd half of action. Columbia scored their lone goal in the second half off a score by Cole Riley.

Tanner Mills took the loss in goal for the Cougars allowing two goals and recording two saves. Columbia totaled 20 shots to Bellevue’s 15.

The Cougars play their final regular season match-up on Saturday, Oct. 29 when they travel to Mayfield, Ky. to take on Mid-Continent (Ky.) University. Kick-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.

October 20, 2005
Cougar Volleyball defeats UIS in three games

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team remained undefeated in American Midwest Conference (AMC) action tonight, defeating the Prairie Stars from the University of Illinois at Springfield 30-25, 30-11 and 31-29. The victory moves the Cougars to 24-1 overall and 10-0 in conference play. Today’s loss drops the Prairie Stars 10-19 overall and 6-5 in league action.

The Cougars, who are ranked No. 8 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, were led offensively by Rose Obunaga’s 11 kills in 24 attempts. Doris Wefwafwa also added 11 kills and14 digs. Luana Branco contributed 29 assists.

The Cougars totaled 15 service aces in the contest, including seven by Nancy Sikobe, and forced the Prairie Stars into 11 hitting errors.

The Cougars continue league action this Saturday, Oct. 22 at home against Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College. The First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.

October 19, 2005
Soccer Cougars tie Missouri Baptist

St. Louis, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar soccer squad finished American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season action tonight with a tie against Missouri Baptist University 0-0. The Cougars, who are ranked No.15 in today’s NAIA Top 25 Poll, are 7-2-5 on the season and, 2-1-4 in AMC play. Tonight’s tie moves the Spartans to 11-2-1 overall and 5-0-1 in league action. Missouri Baptist is ranked No. 12 in today’s Top 25 Poll.

Both teams were held scoreless through regulation time and two overtime periods. Tanner Mills picked up the shutout in goal for Columbia making six saves.

The Cougars were out shot by Missouri Baptist 19 to 7. Columbia committed 10 fouls to Missouri Baptist's 15. Midfielder Greg Kayser and Coach John Klein were issued red cards in the 89th minute of action.

The Cougars' final regular season home match will be played this Friday, Oct. 21. Columbia will host the Bruins from Bellevue University (Neb.), currently ranked No. 21 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll. Seniors Nano Recondo, Matt Mueller, Judson Ball, Vladimir Roganovic, Ivan Navarrete, Micah Bolton and Sasha McMillin will be honored before they play their final regular season match at R. Marvin Owens Soccer Stadium.

Columbia's final regular season match is next Saturday, October 29, when they travel to Mayfield, Ky. to take on Mid Continent University. Start time is slated for 2 p.m.

October 19, 2005
Soccer Cougars drop from No. 13 to No. 15 in latest poll,
Volleyball Cougars hold at No. 8

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar soccer team dropped two spots in this week’s NAIA Top 25 Rating, falling from No. 13 to No. 15. The Cougars, who recorded one tie last week, pulled in 138 points. The Cougars are 7-2-4 overall and 2-1-3 in conference play.

Missouri Baptist University, the No. 1 ranked team Columbia's Region, jumped from No. 25 to No. 12 in this week’s rating. The Spartans are 11-2-0 on the year.

The top ten spots in the soccer poll remain the same as a week ago. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College is first with all 13 first place votes and a perfect 12-0-0 record. Rio Grande (Ohio) University is second, followed by Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) University, Southern Nazarene (Okla.) University and Simon Fraser (B.C.) University.

Tanner Mills has been named the American Midwest Conference (AMC) and Region V Soccer Player of the Week. Mills recorded a shutout in a 0-0 double overtime tie against Hannibal-LaGrange. Tanner made five saves in 110 minutes and lowered his season goals-against average to 0.50.

Columbia is in St. Louis, Mo. today to take on Missouri Baptist University. Start time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

In this week’s NAIA Top 25 Volleyball Rating, the Cougars continue to hold the No. 8 position. The Cougars, who are 23-1 on the season, pulled in 223 points. Columbia is 9-0 in AMC regular season play.

The top ten spots in the national volleyball ranking also remained the same as last week, with Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University in the top spot with a perfect 22-0 mark. National American (S.D.) University is second. California Baptist University is third, followed by Madonna (Mich.) University, and Dickinson State (N.D.) University.

Missouri Baptist University, Columbia’s AMC and Region V rival, is 20-3 on the season and remains at No. 9 this week.

Rose Obunaga was selected as the AMC and Region V Volleyball Player of the Week for Oct. 17. Obunaga collected 67 kills, 38 digs and 15 blocks in four matches last week. For their outstanding effort, Obunaga and teammate Doris Wefwafwa were named to the Olivet Nazarene All-tournament team last weekend.

Jenna Holdmeyer also earned AMC recognition as the Libero of the Week for Oct. 17. Holdmeyer posted 50 digs and did not commit a reception error in 48 chances. In addition, Jenna had 14 services aces for the week, including nine against Olivet Nazarene University.

The Cougars return to action on Thursday, Oct. 20 when they host the University of Illinois at Springfield. The first serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.

October 15, 2005
Cougar Volleyball champions of Olivet Nazarene Open

Bourbonnais, Ill. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team picked up two victories today winning the championship of the Olivet Nazarene Open with a perfect 3-0 record.

In today's morning match the Cougars defeated host Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) 26-30, 30-21, 31-29 and 30-28. Doris Wefwafwa and Rose Obunaga had 23 kills apiece. Wefwafwa also contributed 28 digs. Jenna Holdmeyer served nine aces and chipped in 11 digs. Nancy Sikobe added 23 digs to go along with eight kills. Luana Branco dished out 53 assists.

Coach Melinda Wrye-Washington was issued the first red card of her career against ONU.

Columbia defeated Iowa Wesleyan College in today's afternoon match by the scores of 30-24, 30-26 and 30-28.

Obunaga led Columbia with 16 kills and eight blocks. Wefwafwa and Alice Mucheke posted eight and six kills, respectively. Luana Branco added 36 assists and five blocks.

The Cougars, who are ranked No. 8 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll, move to 23-1 on the season with today's victories.

Columbia returns to action this Thursday when they host American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe University of Illinois at Springfield. First serve is scheduled for 7 pm in the Arena of Southwell Complex.

October 14, 2005
Volleyball Cougars drop St. Xavier

Bourbonnais, Ill. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team cruised past St. Xavier (Ill.) University in the first day of competition at the Olivet Nazarene Open today, 30-25, 30-17, 28-30 and 30-26. The Cougars, who are ranked No. 8 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll, move to 21-1 on the season.

Rose Obunaga led Columbia with 13 kills and 13 digs. Doris Wefwafwa posted seven kills, 23 digs and two aces. Luana Branco added 40 assists.

The Cougars return to action tomorrow when they compete in the second day of the Open. Columbia will face Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) University at 11:30 a.m. and Iowa Wesleyan College at 1:30 p.m.

October 12, 2005
Cougar Soccer ends in tie at Hannibal-LaGrange

Hannibal, Mo. – The Cougar Soccer team continued American Midwest Conference (AMC) play this afternoon posting a 0-0 double overtime tie with the Trojans from Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College. With today's result the No. 13 ranked Cougars move to 7-2-4 on the season and 2-1-3 in conference play. Hannibal-LaGrange is 7-1-4 overall and 3-1-1 in league action.

Today's result sets a Cougar soccer record for most ties in a season. The previous record of three was set in the 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1992 seasons.

The Cougars currently sit in fourth place in the AMC standings with one conference game remaining. Columbia is four points behind Missouri Baptist University and two points behind McKendree (Ill.) College and Hannibal-LaGrange.

Each team recorded six corner kicks during today's match. The Cougars had nine shots, six of which were on goal, while the Trojans posted 11 shots with five on goal.

Tanner Mills recorded the shutout for the Cougars with five saves in 110 minutes of action.

Columbia's next match is a week from today in St. Louis, Missouri against Missouri Baptist University. Kickoff is schedule for 7 pm.

The Cougars' next home match, their final regular season home match of the year, will be played on Friday, Oct. 21. Columbia will host the Bruins from Bellevue University (Neb.), currently ranked No. 25 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll. Seniors Nano Recondo, Matt Mueller, Judson Ball, Vladimir Roganovic, Ivan Navarrete, Micah Bolton and Sasha McMillin will be honored before they play their final regular season match at R. Marvin Owens Soccer Stadium.

October 12, 2005
Soccer Cougars climb from No. 16 to No. 13 in latest poll,
Volleyball Cougars move up one spot to No. 8

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar soccer team moved up three spots in this week’s NAIA Top 25 Poll, jumping from No. 16 to No. 13. The Cougars, who logged two wins and a loss last week, pulled in 185 points. Columbia is the top-ranked team in Region V. The Cougars are 7-2-3 overall and 2-1-2 in conference play.

The Lindenwood (Mo.) University Lions, who were defeated by the Cougars on Oct. 6, slipped from No. 8 to No. 14 in this week’s rating. The Lions are 5-3-3 on the year.

Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College remained atop the ranking with all 13 first place votes and a 10-0-0 record. Rio Grande (Ohio) University is second, followed by Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) University, Southern Nazarene (Okla.) University and Simon Fraser (B.C.) University.

Columbia is in Hannibal, Mo. today to take on conference foe Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College. Start time is scheduled for 4 p.m.

In the latest NAIA Top 25 Volleyball Poll, the Cougars moved from No. 9 to No. 8. Columbia, which is 20-1 on the season, pulled in 221 points. The Cougars are 9-0 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season play.

The top five spots in the national volleyball ranking remained the same from a week ago, with Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University in the top spot with a perfect 19-0 mark. National American (S.D.) University is second and is also perfect through week six with a record of 19-0. California Baptist University is third, followed by Madonna (Mich.) University, and Dickinson State (N.D.) University.

Columbia’s AMC and Region V rival, Missouri Baptist University is 16-3 on the season and drops from No. 8 to No. 9 this week after losing to the Cougars on Oct. 8.

The Cougars hit the road this weekend to Bourbonnais, Ill. to compete in the Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) University Open. Matches will take place on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14-15. Columbia battles Saint Xavier (Ill.) University on Friday at 5 pm. Followed by a Saturday doubleheader against host Olivet Nazarene at 11:30 am and Iowa Wesleyan College at 1:30 pm.

October 11, 2005
NAIA Selects Columbia College to host 2006 and 2007 Volleyball National Championships

Columbia, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has selected the Columbia College Athletic Department to host the Volleyball National Championships in 2006 and 2007. Twenty teams from across the United States and Canada compete in the tournament each year.

Columbia College’s Southwell Complex will be the site of the 27th and 28th Volleyball National Championships Nov. 29 to Dec. 2, 2006, and Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, 2007, respectively.

“It is a great honor to be selected to host the NAIA Volleyball National Championships for the next two years,” said Bob Burchard, director of athletics for Columbia College. “We are excited about the opportunity to showcase the city of Columbia and Columbia College on the national stage.”

This is the second national championship hosted by Columbia College. The college hosted the NAIA Softball National Championships in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1995. Other cities that have hosted recent NAIA Volleyball National Championships include

San Diego, Calif., West Palm Beach, Fla., Fresno, Calif., and Kankakee, Ill.

The Cougar volleyball team has played in five NAIA Volleyball National Championship games since 1998, winning the Volleyball National Championship in 1998, 1999 and 2001. The team was runner-up in 2000 and 2003.

“The Southwell Complex will be a great championship venue, and we look forward to having the best volleyball teams in our association compete here for a national championship,” said Burchard

Lori Thomas, NAIA director of champions, said the NAIA selected Columbia College to host the NAIA Volleyball National Championship because of the college’s knowledge and previous experience with NAIA national championships. She said the top priority is to provide NAIA student-athletes with a memorable championship experience.

“It is a natural fit when their athletic programs have had great success in post-season play,” said Thomas. “Columbia College knows the expectations for success, and we are confident the staff at Columbia College is ready to take this on.”

“The championship tournament provides an opportunity for national-class athletes to perform in Columbia and to demonstrate not only on-court prowess, but to exhibit the characteristics of ‘Champions of Character’,” said Dr. Gerald T. Brouder, president of Columbia College. “We will work closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau to make this a first-class event.”

The tournament will have a positive economic impact on Columbia and boost the city’s national visibility, said Lorah Steiner, executive director of the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For more information about the NAIA Volleyball National Championships visit www.naia.org.

October 10, 2005
Volleyball Cougars remain undefeated in AMC play

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team continued their winning ways in American Midwest Conference (AMC) action tonight, downing McKendree (Ill.) College 30-18, 30-23 and 30-15, in the Arena of Southwell Complex. The victory moves the Cougars to 20-1 overall and 9-0 in conference play. Today’s loss drops the Bearcats to 12-12 overall and 4-4 in league action.

The Cougars, who are ranked No. 9 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, were led offensively by Rose Obunaga’s 15 kills in 24 attempts. Doris Wefwafwa added 12 kills and 15 digs. Luana Branco added 40 assists and 17 digs. Nancy Sikobe and Jenna Holdmeyer contributed 12 and 10 digs, respectively.

The Cougars totaled 8 service aces in the contest and forced the Bearcats into 16 hitting errors.

October 8, 2005
Soccer and Volleyball Cougars log Homecoming wins

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar soccer and volleyball teams each recorded wins today as a part of Columbia College’s Family Day & Homecoming festivities. The volleyball squad defeated American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Missouri Baptist University 30-20, 18-30, 30-26, 25-30 and 15-13 to push its overall mark to 19-1 and its league record to 8-0.

The Cougars, who are ranked No. 9 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, were led by Doris Wefwafwa who totaled 19 kills and 12 digs. Rose Obunaga added 16 kills, 10 blocks and 15 digs. Luana Branco chipped in 43 assists. In addition, the team totaled seven service aces.

The Cougar volleyball team returns to the hardwood on Monday, Oct. 10 when they host AMC rival McKendree (Ill.) College. The first serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.

The Cougar soccer team defeated Benedictine (Kan.) College 2-0, improving to 7-2-3 on the season. Columbia is ranked No. 16 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll.

Columbia found its offensive groove early when Marcos Fernandes scored in the tenth minute of action off an assist from Greg Kayser.

Matt Mueller tallied Columbia’s second goal of the match in the 70th minute of play. Sam Gelven and Ivan Navarrete were credited with the assist.

Columbia and Benedictine were whistled for 19 and 18 fouls respectively.

Tanner Mills recorded the shutout in goal for Columbia making six saves. The Cougars recorded 11 shots to Benedictine’s 15.

The Cougars are back in action on Wednesday, Oct. 12 when they travel to Hannibal, Mo. to take on AMC foe Hannibal-LaGrange College at 4 p.m.

October 6, 2005
Soccer Cougars beat No. 8 Lindenwood on last-minute goal,
Volleyball squad cruises to win over Harris-Stowe in St. Louis

St. Charles, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar soccer squad defeated Region V rival Lindenwood (Mo.) University 1-0 tonight in double over-time. The Cougars improve to 6-2-3 on the season. Head coach John Klein’s squad is ranked No. 16 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll. Tonight’s loss drops the Lions to 6-4-3 on the season. Lindenwood is currently ranked No. 8 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll and is the defending national champion.

Both teams went scoreless through regulation time and the first minute golden goal overtime period. In the second ten minute overtime period and the 101st minute of play, Columbia’s Vladimir Roganovic scored the game winner for Columbia.

Tanner Mills got the win in goal for the Cougars.

The soccer team returns action on Saturday, Oct. 8. The Cougars play host to Benedictine (Kan.) College. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m.

In volleyball action in St. Louis, the Cougar had no trouble in their AMC contest downing Harris-Stowe State University 30-8, 30-10 and 30-11. Columbia is now 18-1 on the season and 7-0 vs. conference opponents. The Cougars are ranked No. 9 in the latest national ranking.

Leading the effort for Columbia was Rose Obunaga with 14 kills and eight digs. Doris Wefwafwa and Nancy Sikobe added 10 kills a piece. Sikobe also posted 21 digs and Luana Branco chipped in 39 assists.

The Cougars are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 8 when they host AMC foe Missouri Baptist. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.

October 5, 2005
Volleyball Cougars jump to No. 9 in NAIA Poll,
Soccer moves up one spot to No. 16

Columbia, Mo. – After winning five matches last week the Columbia Cougar volleyball team jumped two spots to No. 9 in this week’s NAIA Top 25 Poll. The Cougars are 17-1 on the season and 6-0 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play.

AMC foe Missouri Baptist University, who gave Columbia their lone loss of the season, moved up one spot from No. 9 to No. 8. Columbia will face Missouri Baptist this Saturday, Oct. 8, at The Arena of Southwell Complex. First served is scheduled for 1 pm.

Fresno Pacific (Calif.) remained atop the volleyball rankings receiving 12 of the 13 first place votes and a perfect record of 16-0. National American (S.D.) again holds the No. 2 spot with a record of 19-0, followed by California Baptist at the No. 3 spot with a record of 15-2.

Luana Branco has been selected as the AMC Setter of the Week for Sept. 26-Oct 2. Branco dished out 173 assists in five Cougar victories last week. She also posted 63 digs, three services aces and 12 blocks. Offensively, Branco had 30 kills with a hitting percentage of .491 in helping Columbia improve to 17-1 overall.

Rose Obunaga, the Cougars’ senior outside hitter, has been selected as the AMC Player of the Week for Sept. 26-Oct 2. Obunaga posted 85 kills and a hitting percentage of .447 during the week. In addition to her offensive numbers, Obunaga collected 52 digs and 33 blocks, which included 19 solos.

In the NAIA Top 25 Soccer Poll, the Cougars moved up one spot to the No. 16 position. Columbia is 5-2-3 on the season and 2-1-2 in AMC play.

Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) remains undefeated at 9-0-0 and still holds the top spot in the national soccer rating. Rio Grande (Ohio) is ranked second followed by Auburn Montgomery (Ala.), Southern Nazarene (Okla.) and Azusa Pacific (Calif.).

Lindenwood (Mo.) University, which is the top-ranked team in Columbia’s region, jumped three spots to the No. 8 position. Columbia will face Lindenwood tomorrow night in St. Charles, Mo. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Forward Justin Robinson has been named the AMC Men's Soccer Player of the Week for the week of Sept. 26-Oct 2. Robinson tallied four goals in the Cougars' two games of the week. Against Illinois-Springfield, Robinson scored the lone Cougar goal in a 1-1 tie. In the following game against Williams Baptist College he recorded a hat-trick in leading his team to a 13-0 win.

October 4, 2005
Soccer Cougars fall to McKendree Bearcats 1-2

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar soccer team recorded their second loss of 2005 season today, falling to the Bearcats from McKendree (Ill.) College in an American Midwest Conference showdown. The loss moves the Cougars to 5-2-3 overall and 2-1-2 in conference action. Columbia is ranked No. 17 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll. McKendree is 7-3-2 overall and 3-0-1 in AMC play.

The Bearcats scored both of their goals in the first 45 minutes of action. The first coming on an own goal by the Cougars in the 3rd minute, and the game winner coming in the 35th minute by forward Nicolas Mosca.

Columbia finally found the back of the net in the 65th minute when Marcos Fernandes scored off an assist by Chris Wright.

Tanner Mills tallied six saves in goal for Columbia. For the match, Columbia posted 21 shots to McKendree’s nine.

The Cougars are on the road for a Region V battle on Thursday, Oct. 6. The squad travels to St. Charles, Mo. to take on Lindenwood (Mo.) University. Kick-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.

Prior to the game on Thursday the Cougar Athletic Department is hosting a gathering for all Cougar soccer fans at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grille located at 2921 Veterans Memorial Parkway in St. Charles, Mo. Appetizers will be provided compliments of the Cougar Athletic Department from 5 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Come visit with other Cougar soccer fans and alumni prior to the big match Thursday night.

October 1, 2005
Volleyball Cougars finish Lindenwood Invitational 4-0,
Soccer Cougars dominate Williams Baptist

St. Charles, Mo. – After picking up two wins yesterday in the Lindenwood University Invitational the Columbia College volleyball team dropped two more opponents today. The Cougars defeated region V rivals Central Methodist (Mo.) University by scores of 30-18, 30-15 and 30-28, and Lindenwood (Mo.) University 30-21, 26-30, 33-31 and 31-29. Columbia, ranked No. 11 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improves to 17-1 on the season.

Against Central Methodist, Rose Obunaga led the Cougars with 12 kills, six blocks, six digs and three aces. Jenna Holdmeyer had 19 digs and three aces. Luana Branco chipped in 36 assists and 11 digs.

Versus Lindenwood, Obunaga totaled 25 kills, 13 blocks and 16 digs. Nancy Sikobe added 15 kills and 17 digs, and Branco had 47 assists and 28 digs.

The Cougars resume action in the American Midwest Conference regular season race on Thursday, Oct. 6. Columbia travels to St. Louis, Mo. to take on Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University. The first serve is slated for 7 p.m.

In soccer action, the Columbia Cougar soccer team improved to 5-1-3 on the season with a commanding 13-0 victory over the Williams Baptist (Ark.) College Eagles. Columbia, ranked No. 17 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll, is now 2-0-2 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play. The Eagles fall to 3-9-0 on the season and 0-3-0 in conference play.

The Cougars recorded their first goal in the 10th minute of play when Ivan Navarrete converted a penalty kick. The cougars added five goals during the next four minutes of play on goals by Matt Mueller, Max Laitner, Navarrete and Justin Robinson. Navarrete and Robinson each added their third first half goal, along with a goal by Steven Reineke, as the Cougars took a 9-0 lead into halftime.

Columbia managed four goals during the second 45 minutes of play. Marcos Fernandes netted two second half goals, along with Reineke’s second goal of the match and freshman David Hilderbrand’s only goal of the match.

The Cougars completely dominated play, out shooting the Eagles 55 to six. Tanner Mills recorded the shutout in goal for Columbia recording 6 saves. Matt Bowen took the loss in goal for the Eagles recording 19 saves.

The soccer squad is back in action this Tuesday, Oct. 4, when they host McKendree (Ill.) College in an AMC showdown. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at R. Marvin Owens Soccer Stadium.

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October 2005 Headlines