February 2007 Headlines
February 28, 2007
Cougars win, move onto AMC semi-finals
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar basketball squad pushed its record to 16-15 tonight, defeating Williams Baptist (Ark.) College 81-73 in overtime in the quarterfinal round of the American Midwest Conference (AMC) tournament. Columbia, which holds the No. 3 seed in the AMC will move on to the semi-final round of the tournament on Friday, March 2.
Both teams shot under 50 percent in the first half, but Columbia was able to take a 31-30 lead into the locker room at halftime.
The Eagles outscored the Cougars in the first minutes of the second half to take the lead. With less than ten seconds remaining in regulation, Williams Baptist led the Cougars 67-64. The Cougars’ Louis McCrary hit a three pointer to tie the game. Neither team was able to score in the final seconds, sending the game into overtime.
Columbia took the lead in overtime and never looked back, outscoring the Eagles 14-6, and walking away with the eight-point victory.
Pacing the Cougars was Bryant Chambly with 24 points. McCrary added 14, Mikel Fields had 12 and Marcus Bradford and William Boatwright chipped in 11 points a piece. Chambly was the top rebounder for Columbia with 13. Larry Boyd led Williams Baptist with 22 points.
With tonight’s win the Cougars will travel to Lebanon, Ill. for a semifinal game on Friday, March 2, against the No. 2 seeded McKendree (Ill.) College. McKendree defeated Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University tonight by the score of 72-68. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.
February 27, 2007
Lady Cougars fight past Missouri Baptist in AMC quarterfinal
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team recorded an 85-78 victory tonight over Missouri Baptist University in quarterfinal action of the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Postseason Tournament. With the win the No. 2 seeded Lady Cougars push their overall record to 25-6 on the season. The No. 7 seeded Spartans end their season with an overall mark of 14-16.
In the first half, Columbia shot 40.9 percent from the field and outrebounded Missouri Baptist 26-15 to lead 46-42 at the break.
The Lady Cougars continued to battle on the boards throughout the second half leading to a 47-32 rebounding edge for the game and leading to the seven-point victory.
All eight Lady Cougars scored during tonight’s contest. Columbia was led by LeAnn Fossum’s 23 points. Amber Lewellen added 19. Whitney Widaman netted 18 points. Jessica Wilkerson pulled down 15 rebounds to lead Columbia.
Nikki Thompson scored 30 points to lead the Spartans.
With tonight’s win the Lady Cougars will host a semifinal game on Thursday, March 1, against the No. 3 seeded University of Illinois-Springfield. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
February 24, 2007
Lady Cougars end regular season with a victory
Fulton, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team recorded a 97-53 victory today over William Woods (Mo.) University, pushing its overall mark to 24-6 on the season and 11-3 in the Conference. The Owls fall to 5-24 on the season and 1-13 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) action.
Columbia dominated the game leading the Owls 50-20 at the break. The Lady Cougars did not let down in the second half, shooting 53 percent, and 59.7 percent for the game. Columbia outrebounded William Woods 27-21 and forced the Owls to turn the ball over 25 times throughout the contest.
Five Lady Cougars scored in double figures led by Amber Lewellen with 27 points and five assists. Whitney Widaman added 17 points, Megan Archuleta netted 16 points, and Whitney Davis chipped in 12 points, six assists and five steals. LeAnn Fossum scored 11 points. Casey Westhues paced the Owls with 18 points.
This was the final game of the regular season for the Lady Cougars. Columbia will enter AMC postseason play next week with a quarterfinal game on Tuesday, February 27. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex. Columbia’s opponent will be announced tomorrow when the postseason bracket is released.
February 23, 2007
Softball Cougars fall at Evangel Tournament
Springfield, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar softball team opened its 2007 season this morning at the Evangel (Mo.) University Early Bird tournament. The Cougars dropped three straight today, falling to Concordia (Neb.) University 1-3, Rogers State (Okla.) University 1-3 and Northwest Missouri State University 2-10 in five innings. Today’s games move the Cougars to 0-3 on the season.
In Columbia’s 9 a.m. contest against Concordia, the Cougars came out cold offensively and managed only four hits. Jena Strobel, Marcie McMahon, Amanda Hodges and Rachel Brawner chipped in one hit a piece.
Katie McMahon (0-1) recorded the loss, fanning six batters and giving up three hits and five walks.
In the second game vs. Rogers State, the Cougars posted seven hits, including two each from Lindsey Williams and Chris Schoonover.
Freshman hurler Meghan Bailey (0-1) took the loss striking out two and giving up three hits and three walks.
The Cougars had trouble defending the offensive power of Northwest Missouri State in the third game of the day. Seven different Cougars were able to score a hit, led by Brawner who went two-for-three with an RBI.
Katie McMahon (0-2) took her second loss of the day, giving up six hits and three earned runs. Bailey relieved McMahon in the second, giving up four earned runs, eight hits and striking out two.
The Cougars continue play at the Evangel tournament tomorrow when they enter bracket play. For game times and opponents please check www.columbiacougars.com.
February 22, 2007
Cougars defeat Hannibal-LaGrange
Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia Cougar men's basketball team pushed its record to 15-15 tonight, defeating Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College in an American Midwest Conference (AMC) contest by a final score of 64-52. The win moves the Cougars to 7-5 vs. league foes.
Columbia led Hannibal 27-26 at halftime and held the Trojans to just ten field goals in the first 20 minutes of action. In the second half, Hannibal made nine field goals including just one for 11 from beyond the arc, compared to five for nine for the Cougars. Columbia forced 18 turnovers leading to 22 points.
Bryant Chambly paced Columbia in the win with 14 points. Louis McCrary added 13 points.
With the Cougars' win tonight they clinched the No. 3 seed in next week's AMC postseason tournament.
The Cougars will be back in action on Wednesday, Feb. 28 when they host the quarterfinal round of the AMC postseason tournament. Tip-off for the contest is set for 7 p.m. Columbia’s opponent will be announced this weekend when the official postseason bracket is released.
February 22, 2007
Lady Cougar basketball team notches 93-72 win over Hannibal
Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team knocked off Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College today by a final score of 93-72. With the win, the Lady Cougars improve to 23-6 overall and 10-3 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play. The Trojans fall to 12-15 overall and 7-6 vs. league opponents.
Columbia started the game with an 18-8 run, but dropped their lead to 20-16 at the 10 minute mark. Amber Lewellen led a 44.7 percent shooting performance from the field with 19 points during the first half. At the break, the Lady Cougars led 48-34.
Tough defensive pressure in the second half sealed the deal for the Lady cougars. Columbia outrebounded the Trojans 49-42.
Four players scored in double figures for the Lady Cougars, led by Lewellen with 24 points. Megan Archuleta ended with 16 points. Whitney Widaman and LeAnn Fossum tallied 15 points a piece. Helen Ogunjimi corralled 11 rebounds.
Hannibal-LaGrange was paced by Theresa Goodwin with 18 points.
Columbia will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 24 as they travel to Fulton, Mo. to face William Woods (Mo.) University. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.
February 17, 2007
Cougars notch victory over Harris-Stowe
St. Louis, Mo. - The Columbia College men’s basketball team improved to 6-5 in conference play today with an 90-73 win over Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University. Columbia pushes their overall record to 14-15. The Hornets fall to 6-21 overall with tonight’s loss and 2-8 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play.
In the first half, Columbia dominated the Hornets and led 44-30 at the break. The Cougars shot 53 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes, led by senior Bryant Chambly who posted 13 points.
In the second half, Columbia took over the game, shooting 62 percent from the field and 43 percent from behind the arc. The Cougars outrebounded Harris-Stowe 36-33 and were able to block three Hornet shots.
Five Cougars finished in double figures. Louis McCrary paced Columbia with 22 points. Chambly finished with 19 and Marcus Bradford, Brock Perkins and Terren Wilson added 10 a piece. Chambly also pulled down 11 rebounds.
The Cougars continue AMC play on Thursday, Feb. 22 when they host Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College at 8 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex. Cougar seniors Bryant Chambly, Marcus Bradford, Ryan Steinhoff, Brock Perkins and Terren Wilson will be honored as the play their final regular season home game.
February 17, 2007
Lady Cougars fall short against Harris-Stowe
St. Louis, Mo. - The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team dropped to 9-3 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) action tonight, falling to Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University 72-74. With the loss, the Lady Cougars move to 22-6 overall. The win moves Harris-Stowe to 8-18 overall and 6-6 vs. league opponents.
Columbia posted a 39-34 advantage at halftime, however the lead was short lived. The Hornets forced tough defensive pressure on the Lady Cougars and took the lead just a couple minutes into the second half. Columbia found themselves down by 11 at one point before rallying back to bring the game within two. The Lady Cougars were unable to force a turnover in the final seconds as Harris-Stowe walked away with the victory.
Pacing Columbia was Whitney Widaman with 17 points. LeAnn Fossum tallied 12 points. Whitney Davis, Helen Ogunjimi and Megan Archuleta each chipped in 10 points.
The Lady Cougars return to action on Thursday, Feb. 22 when they host Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College in their final regular season home contest. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex. Prior to Thursday’s game seniors LeAnn Fossum, Valerie Suarez, Jessica Wilkerson, Helen Ogunjimi and Danielle Riekeberg will be honored as the play their final regular season home game as a Lady Cougar.
February 16, 2007
Cougar soccer signs Rock Bridge’s Brandon Wulff to letter of intent
Columbia, Mo. - Columbia College men’s soccer head coach John Klein officially announced today that Columbia College has signed Brandon Wulff, a senior from Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Mo., to a national letter of intent to play soccer for the Cougars next season.
“Brandon is a physical and versatile player that we expect to contribute immediately in a defensive role,” said Klein. “We are pleased to have another outstanding Columbian join our program.”
Wulff was a two-time First Team All-District selection during his junior and senior seasons. Wulff was also named First Team All-Region as a senior while serving as the Bruins’ co-captain.
Wulff plays club soccer for Columbia Pride where he is coached by current Cougar Soccer assistant coach Kevin Roderique.
February 15, 2007
Cougars fall to the Prairie Stars
Springfield, Ill. – The Columbia Cougars took a hard fought loss on the road tonight, falling to the University of Illinois-Springfield by a score of 56-59.
The Cougars fall to 13-15 on the season and 5-5 in conference play. The Prairie Stars, ranked No. 18 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll, improve to 17-8 and 9-1 versus league foes.
The Cougars led the entire first half starting the game with a Trae Hall field goal less than 30 seconds in. Columbia kept one step ahead throughout the first 20 minutes to take a 28-22 advantage over the Prairie Stars at the break.
The two teams battled hard during the final 20 minutes of play. UIS gained their first lead of the game with just over nine minutes to play. The Cougars stayed close the entire way but a Mikel Fields last second desperation three was off the mark leading to the three point loss.
Leading the way for the Cougars was Bryant Chambly with 18 points. Terren Wilson added 17 points.
The Cougars return to the hardwood on Saturday, Feb. 17 when they take on Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University in St. Louis, Mo. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.
February 15, 2007
Lady Cougars fall in tough road battle
Springfield, Ill. – The Columbia College Lady Cougars basketball team dropped their second American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season contest tonight, falling to the University of Illinois-Springfield 63-74. Columbia moves to 22-5 on the season and 9-2 vs. league foes. The Prairie Stars improve to 12-15 and 7-4 in the AMC.
After a slow start, the Lady Cougars were able to get back into the game to lead 31-26 at the break.
Columbia was not able to hold the lead for long in the second half as the Prairie Stars took control and never looked back. The Lady Cougars brought the game to within four with just three and a half minutes left on the clock, but after numerous turnovers and missed shots Columbia was unable to close the gap any further, giving UIS the 11 point victory.
Megan Archuleta led the Lady Cougars with a career high 22 points. Helen Ogunjimi posted a double-double with 14 points and a team high 14 rebounds. Whitney Davis ended with 11 points and six assists.
Columbia returns to the court on Saturday, Feb. 17 when they travel to St. Louis, Mo. to take on Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.
February 14, 2007
Lady Cougars drop one spot
Columbia, Mo. - The Lady Cougar women’s basketball squad, after spending one week in the No. 19 position, dropped to No. 20 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll. The Lady Cougars recorded a split last week, falling to McKendree (Ill) College and defeating Missouri Baptist University. Columbia is 22-4 overall and 9-1 vs. league foes. The Lady Cougars garnered 104 points this week.
Vanguard (Calif.) University remains in the top spot in the women’s poll with all 11 first place votes and a mark of 20-0. Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) University is No. 2, followed by St. Xavier (Ill.) University, Lee (Tenn.) University and Union (Tenn.) University.
The Lady Cougars are in action on Thursday, Feb. 15, when they take on the University of Illinois-Springfield. Tip-off for the American Midwest Conference (AMC) contest is set for 6 p.m. in Springfield, Ill.
February 12, 2007
Lady Cougars post 66-59 victory over Brescia in Kentucky
Owensboro, Ky. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball squad notched a victory tonight, dropping Brescia (Ky.) University 66-59. The win moves the Lady Cougars, who are ranked No. 19 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Rating, to 22-4.
Brescia led Columbia 28-26 at halftime. Despite shooting only 28 percent in the first half, the Lady Cougars managed to rebound and outscore the Lady Bearcats 40-31 in the second frame to hang on for the seven-point win.
Leading the effort for Columbia was Whitney Widaman with17 points. Amber Lewellen added 13 points and Helen Ogunjimi chipped in ten.
The Lady Cougars return to action on Thursday, Feb. 15 when they, along with the Cougar men’s basketball team, travel to Springfield, Ill. to take on American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe the University of Illinois-Springfield. Tip-off for the women's game is slated for 6 p.m. followed by the men's game at 8 p.m.
February 10, 2007
Cougars Fall to Missouri Baptist
St. Louis, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar men’s basketball team was unable to score its second win over Missouri Baptist University this season, falling to the Spartans tonight in an American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season match-up 53-71. The Cougars defeated Missouri Baptist in Columbia on Jan. 18 by a score of 87-75.
The Cougar loss drops the squad to 5-4 vs. league opponents. Columbia is 13-14 overall. Missouri Baptist is also 5-4 in conference action with tonight’s win. The Spartans are 12-11 overall.
After a slow offensive start, trailing 23-4, the Cougars put together a 22-14 run in the first half to get back into the game. Columbia trailed 37-26 to end the first 20 minutes of action.
The Spartans took advantage of the cold shooting Cougars in the second half to come away with the victory. Columbia shot just 31 percent from the field and 20 percent from behind the three-point arc.
Bryant Chambly paced the Cougars with 22 points. Marcus Bradford added 10. Isaiah Johnson led the way for Missouri Baptist with 13 points.
The Cougars return to action on Thursday, Feb. 15 when they travel to Springfield, Ill. to take on AMC foe the University of Illinois-Springfield. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m.
February 10, 2007
Lady Cougars post 9th Conference victory
St. Louis, Mo. - The Columbia College Lady Cougar basketball team won its ninth American Midwest Conference (AMC) game of the season tonight, defeating Missouri Baptist University 93-89.
Columbia, ranked 19th in the nation, is 21-4 overall and 9-1 in AMC play. Tonight's loss drops the Spartans to 11-14 and 2-8 in league play.
After a slow start, the Lady Cougars found their stroke offensively and led 46-45 at the break after shooting 53 percent in the first half. Columbia led the rest of the way as they went on to shoot 56 percent in the second half compared to 44 percent shooting by the Spartans.
Pacing the Lady Cougars was Kirksville, Mo. native Amber Lewellen, who racked up 33 points. LeAnn Fossum added 16 and Whitney Widaman, Jessica Wilkerson and Megan Archuleta tallied 12 points a piece. Helen Ogunjimi totaled 10 rebounds, while Whitney Davis passed out eight assists. Aubry Parsons was the top scorer for Missouri Baptist with 39 points.
Columbia returns to action on Monday, Feb. 12 when they travel to Owensboro, Ky. to take on Brescia (Ky.) University in a 7 p.m. contest.
February 9, 2007
Columbia College basketball raises $1,300 for Coaches vs. Cancer
Columbia, Mo. - During Thursday night’s men’s and women’s basketball games between Columbia College and McKendree (Ill.) College, the four teams were not only battling for crucial American Midwest Conference (AMC) victories, but just as important, they were raising money and awareness for Coaches vs. Cancer.
Lady Cougar head coach Mike Davis and Cougar head coach Bob Burchard addressed fans at halftime of their respective games encouraging them to donate as much as possible to help find a cure for cancer. Legendary McKendree head coach Harry Statham and his coaching staff wore tennis shoes and warm-up suits to show their support. The Columbia College Athletic Department raised $1,300 from ticket sales, concessions and individual fan contributions.
The following is an excerpt from www.cancer.org
Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and local communities to make a difference in the fight against cancer. The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs.
Coaches vs. Cancer evolved from a concept championed by Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri's men's basketball program, cancer survivor, and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He started the program by challenging fans to pledge a dollar amount for every three points made by his team during the season.
February 8, 2007
Cougars falter against McKendree
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar basketball team recorded its third American Midwest Conference (AMC) loss of the season tonight, falling to McKendree (Ill.) College 68-87.
With tonight’s loss the Cougars drop to 13-13 on the season, and 5-3 in AMC play.
The Bearcats shot 47 percent from the field to led the Cougars 43-39 at the break. McKendree improved their shooting in the second half to 67 percent, converting on 18 of 27 shots. The Bearcats also controlled the glass with a 44-25 rebounding edge leading to the 19 point victory.
Bryant Chambly led the Cougars with 13 points. Marcus Bradford, Mikel Fields and Terren Wilson each chipped in 11 points. Louis McCrary posted 10 points. Mike Strobbe was the leading scorer for the Bearcats with 23, including five for six from the free-throw line.
Columbia defeated McKendree in Lebanon, Ill. on Jan. 13 by a score of 96-92.
The Cougars return to the hardwood on Saturday, Feb. 10 when they travel to St. Louis, Mo. to face Missouri Baptist University. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.
February 8, 2007
Foul trouble leads to Lady Cougar loss
Columbia, Mo. - Turnovers and fouls cursed the Lady Cougar basketball team tonight as they fell to American Midwest Conference (AMC) rival McKendree (Ill.) College 74-81. With the loss Columbia falls to 20-4 on the season and 8-1 in league play. The Bearcats move to 15-9 and 6-3 against conference opponents.
The Lady Cougars lead by as many as six in the first half, but trailed 34-40 at the break and were never able to regain the lead. Columbia battled foul trouble all night ending with four of their nine players fouling out. Columbia committed a total of 33 fouls throughout the game while committing 19 turnovers. Despite shooting 44 percent from the field, the Lady Cougars shot only 10 percent from three-point range.
LeAnn Fossum led Columbia with 22 points and a record setting 14 rebounds. Fossum is now the all-time career leader in rebounding with 723 boards. Amber Lewellen chipped in 14 points. Jessica Wilkerson had 13, while Whitney Widaman and Helen Ogunjimi posted 12 and 11 points, respectively.
The Lady Cougars will travel to St. Louis, Mo. on Saturday, Feb. 10 to take on AMC foe Missouri Baptist University. Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m.
February 7, 2007
Lady Cougars move to No. 19 in latest NAIA Top 25 Rating
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar women’s basketball team jumped one spot to the No. 19 position in this week’s NAIA Top 25 Poll, which was released today by the NAIA National Office in Olathe, Kan. The Cougars, who are 20-3 on the season and 8-0 vs. league foes, tallied 141 points.
Vanguard (Calif.) University and Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) University remained first and second, respectively. Vanguard, which is 18-0 on the season, pulled in all 11 first place votes. St. Xavier (Ill.) University remained third, followed by Lee (Tenn.) University at No. 4 and Montana-Western University at No. 5.
Columbia’s AMC rival McKendree (Ill.) College pulled in three votes in this week’s rating. Columbia handed the Bearcats one of their three league losses on Jan. 13. The two teams meet again in Columbia on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Arena of Southwell Complex.
February 5, 2007
Seven Cougars earn 2006-07 Region V Scholar-Athlete honors
Columbia, Mo. – Seven members of the Columbia College women’s volleyball and men's soccer teams have been named Region V Scholar-Athletes. Soccer players Matt Budenholzer and Nick Kelly as well as volleyball players Domonique Cisneros, Erin McCaffrey, Jeanie Meyers, Shari Tuttle and Yi Zhang are 2006-07 recipients of the award.
Members of the squad must hold at least junior status academically and have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Budenholzer played his first year as a Cougar in the fall. The St. Louis, Mo. native played in 13 games totaling 3 points off of one goal and one assist. Budenholzer is majoring in Banking Finance and Finance Real Estate.
Kelly played in 18 games this past fall for Columbia posting three goals and two assists to help the Cougars to an 11-7-1 overall record. Kelly is majoring in Business Administration.
Cisneros was a redshirt for the Cougar Volleyball team this past season. Originally from Sylmar, Calif., Cisneros is a Forensic Science and Biology major.
McCaffrey is a native of Kalamazoo, Mich. and has been a steady contributor to Columbia’s success since her arrival in 2005. During the 2006 season McCaffrey totaled 52 kills and 17 aces while majoring in Biology.
Meyers, a junior setter and outside hitter from Green Ridge, Mo., totaled 59 assists during her second season at Columbia. Meyers is an Elementary Education major.
Tuttle is a native of Summersville, Mo. majoring in Business Administration. This season, as a defensive specialist for the Cougars, she tallied 238 digs in 97 games. In addition, Tuttle contributed 12 service aces.
Zhang averaged 3.1 kills in during 118 games played this season for the Cougars. The Suzhou, China native accumulated a team high 53 aces and chipped in 428 digs and was named NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. Yi is studying Accounting at Columbia College.
February 3, 2007
Cougars snag 67-56 win over Williams Baptist
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar men’s basketball team moved to 5-2 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season play tonight, dropping Williams Baptist (Ark.) College 67-56. The Cougars are 13-12 on the season. The Eagles fall to 11-12 overall and 0-7 in league play.
Columbia led 36-24 at halftime due in large part to a 12-point first half performance by Cougar guard Brock Perkins. The senior was four-for-four from three-point range.
The Eagles outscored the Cougars 32-31 in the final 20 minutes of the game, but Columbia's first half lead proved to be insurmountable as Columbia posted the 11-point victory.
Columbia shot 49 percent from the field, compared to the Eagles 39 percent performance. The Cougars also outrebounded the visiting squad 35-30.
Marcus Bradford was the leading scorer for the Cougars with 17 points. Perkins finished with 14. Bryant Chambly was Columbia's leading rebounder with nine. Jon Hodges was the leading scorer for Williams Baptist with 14 points.
The Cougars host McKendree (Ill.) College on Thursday, Feb. 8 in AMC action. Tip-off is slated for 8 p.m. The Cougars defeated the Bearcats 96-92 earlier this season in Lebanon, Ill..
February 3, 2007
Lady Cougars roll past Williams Baptist 79-51
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Lady Cougar basketball team started the second round of the American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season schedule with a win tonight, topping Williams Baptist (Ark.) College 79-51. Columbia, which finished the first seven conference games undefeated, improves to 8-0 in AMC action. The Lady Cougars are 20-3 overall. Tonight’s loss drops Williams Baptist to 10-10 overall and 3-5 vs. AMC foes.
The Lady Cougars, who own sole possession of first place in the AMC regular season standings, led the Eagles 32-20 at halftime. Columbia held the visiting squad to just six field goals in the first half.
Columbia continued to apply dominating defensive pressure in the second half, holding Williams Baptist to only 10 field goals. The Lady Cougars outscored the Trojans 47-31 in the final 20 minutes to record the 28-point victory.
Columbia notched a 50-39 rebounding edge in the game. The Lady Cougars dropped in 12 points off of 15 offensive rebounds.
Amber Lewellen paced the Lady Cougars with 31 points. Whitney Widaman added 18 and LeAnn Fossum chipped in ten. Helen Ogunjimi led Columbia with 11 rebounds.
The Cougar women’s basketball squad is back in action on Thursday, Feb. 8 for its next AMC match-up. Columbia hosts McKendree (Ark.) College at 6 p.m. In the first meeting between the two teams this season on Jan. 13, the Lady Cougars defeated the Bearcats by a final score of 84-73 in Lebanon, Ill.
February 2, 2007
Cougar soccer signs Meramec midfielder
Columbia, Mo. - Columbia College men’s soccer coach John Klein officially announced today that Columbia College has signed Nick Bigogno, a sophomore midfielder from Meramec Community College in St. Louis, Mo., to a national letter of intent to play soccer for the Cougars next season.
“Nick is an intelligent and technically sound soccer player. He competes hard and plays to win,” said Klein. “He brings a commitment level and approach to the game that can not be taught. I expect Nick to make an immediate impact in our program.”
As a freshman Bigogno was named first team all-conference leading Meramec to a fifth place national ranking. Bigogno was named team captain as a sophomore.
Bigogno is a graduate of Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, Mo., where he was a three year varsity starter. During his senior season he served as team captain and was named the team MVP. Bigogno also helped Busch Soccer Club to a state championship his senior year.