September 2006 Headlines
September 30, 2006
Volleyball Cougars Trounce Williams Baptist
Columbia, Mo. -- The Columbia Cougar volleyball squad scored its 20th win of the season today, defeating Williams Baptist (Ark.) College in an American Midwest Conference (AMC) match-up by scores of 30-24, 30-12 and 30-23. The Cougars, who are ranked No. 7 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Rating, are 20-3 overall and 6-0 in league action. The loss drops the Eagles to 6-10 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
Rael Rotich logged 21 kills and two blocks in the match. Yi Zhang notched 14 kills. Zhang also contributed 15 digs. Luana Branco totaled 44 assists and 19 digs in the effort.
The Cougars return to action on Tuesday, Oct. 3 when they travel to Hannibal, Mo. to take on Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College in a 7 p.m. conference contest.
September 28, 2006
Volleyball Cougars knock off William Woods, remain perfect in conference play
Fulton, Mo. -- The Columbia Cougar volleyball team secured their fifth conference win tonight with a three-game victory over William Woods University (Mo.), defeating the Owls 30-18, 30-22 and 30-22. With the win, the No. 7 ranked Cougars improve to 19-3 overall and 5-0 in conference action. The loss drops the Owls to 7-9 overall and 2-3 in league play.
Columbia used a balanced offensive attack to secure the victory. Alice Mucheke, Yi Zhang and Rael Rotich posted 12, 11 and nine kills, respectively.
The Cougars continue American Midwest Conference play at home this Saturday, September 30, against Williams Baptist College (Ark.) at noon.
September 27, 2006
Soccer Cougars fall to Hannibal-LaGrange
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar soccer squad was unable to pull out a victory tonight, falling to Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College by a score of 1-0. The Cougars fall to 6-4 with the loss. Hannibal improves to 7-3.
Both teams remained scoreless until the 75th minute when Hannibal’s Sebastian Rincon netted the game-winner for the Trojans. Tanner Mills took the loss in goal for Columbia.
The Cougars return to action next Tuesday, Oct. 3 when they travel to Lebanon, Ill. to take on AMC rival McKendree (Ill.) College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
September 27, 2006
Volleyball Cougars remain at No. 7 in latest top 25 poll,
Soccer Cougars garner seven votes
Columbia, Mo. – In the latest NAIA Top 25 Rating released today by the national office in Olathe, Kan., the Columbia Cougar volleyball team held the No. 7 spot for the fourth consecutive week with 246 points. The Cougars are 18-3 overall and 4-0 vs. American Midwest Conference (AMC) opponents.
The top seven teams held their positions from a week ago, with National American (S.D.) University in the top spot with nine first place votes and an unblemished 19-0 record. Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University is second with four first place votes and a mark of 13-0 . California Baptist University is third, followed by Concordia (Calif.) University, Dickinson State (N.D.) University and Missouri Baptist University.
Yi Zhang has been selected as the AMC Player of the Week. Zhang collected 61 kills in leading the Cougars to a perfect 6-0 record last week. Included in that total were nine kills against No. 10-ranked Hastings College and 13 attacks versus No. 13 Albertson College. Zhang, a sophomore, also added 51 digs, seven service aces and nine blocks for the week.
The Cougars travel to Fulton, Mo. tomorrow night to face AMC foe William Woods (Mo.) University. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
The Cougar soccer squad managed seven votes in this week’s men’s soccer top 25 rating. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College remained in the top position with 11 first place votes and a 5-1-0 record. Rio Grande (Ohio) University is second, followed by Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University at No. 3.
Columbia’s AMC rival, Missouri Baptist University, jumped up one to the No. 13 position with a record of 6-2-1. Lindenwood (Mo.) University moved to No. 10, while Columbia’s other Region V foe, William Jewell (Mo.) College climbed to No. 21.
The Cougar soccer squad is at home tonight, hosting AMC opponent Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College at 7 p.m.
September 26, 2006
Volleyball Cougars score 18th win of the season
Columbia, Mo. -- The Columbia Cougar volleyball team secured a three-game victory over McKendree College (Ill.) tonight, defeating the Bearcats by scores of 30-18, 30-26 and 30-23. With the win, the No. 7 ranked Cougars improve to 18-3 overall and 4-0 in conference action. The loss drops the Bearcats to 10-6 overall and 4-1 in league play.
Leading the way for Columbia was Rael Rotich and Yi Zhang who notched 14 and 11 kills, respectively. Juliana Quadrado contributed nine kills and ten digs. Setter Luana Branco added 28 assists. Senior libero Shari Tuttle collected a team-high 15 digs.
The Cougars return to action on Thursday, Sept. 28 when the travel to Fulton, Mo. to take on conference foe William Woods (Mo.) University at 7 p.m.
September 23, 2006
Volleyball Cougars win Best of the Best Challenge
Soccer Cougars fall in overtime
Fort Wayne, Ind. – In the second day of the Best of the Best Challenge at the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind., the Columbia Cougars picked up two wins to finish first in the event. In their afternoon contest, the Cougars knocked off the No. 10 ranked Hastings (Neb.) College 30-25, 25-30, 30-14, 21-30 and 15-12. Columbia then defeated No. 13 ranked Albertson (Ind.) University 30-17, 30-22 and 30-19. With the victories, the No. 7 ranked Cougars improve to 17-3.
Versus Hastings, Rael Rotich tallied 20 kills. Juliana Quadrado chipped in 12 kills and 17 digs and Alice Mucheke added ten kills and 14 digs. Luana Branco notched 46 assists, 21 digs and 11 kills.
Against Albertson, Quadrado added 11 kills, 22 digs and six blocks. Branco totaled 42 assists, seven kills, 22 digs and seven blocks.
For their efforts in the two-day event, Cougars Branco and Rotich were named Most Valuable Player and All-tournament Team recipient, respectively.
The Cougars host American Midwest Conference (AMC) rival McKendree (Ill.) College on Tuesday, Sept. 26. The first serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Liberty, Mo. – In a Region V match-up in Liberty, Mo., the Columbia Cougar soccer team fell to William Jewell (Mo.) College in overtime by a score of 1-2. The loss drops the Cougars to 6-3-0 on the season.
Columbia fell behind in the match, giving up a goal to the Cardinals in the 67th minute. Cougar midfielder Vinicio Aizpurua evened the score in the 69th minute, off an assist from Sam Gelven.
At the end of regulation time the score remained tied. In the fourth minute of the extra frame, William Jewell scored the game-winner to give the Cardinals the 2-1 victory.
Tanner Mills took the loss in goal for Columbia, notching five saves.
The Cougars return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 27 when they host AMC foe Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College at 7 p.m.
September 22, 2006
Cougar volleyball collects two wins at Best of the Best Classic
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team posted two wins in the first day of the Best of the Best Classic, defeating Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio) University in three games (30-25, 30-18, 32-30) and topping Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) University in four games (30-25, 30-26, 25-30, 30-23). With the wins, the Cougars, who are ranked No. 7 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improve to 15-3 on the season.
Yi Zhang ended the day with 28 kills and 20 digs while Luana Branco dished out a total of 75 assists in the two matches. Rael Rotich chipped in 10 kills in the victory over Mount Vernon Nazarene. Shari Tuttle posted 17 digs in the win over Olivet Nazarene.
Columbia continues play in the Best of the Best Classic on Saturday, Sept. 23 at noon and 6 p.m.
September 20, 2006
Soccer and Volleyball post AMC wins
Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar soccer team earned their sixth win of the season tonight with a 7-0 victory over Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University. Columbia, ranked No. 19 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll, moves to 6-2-0 on the season and 1-0 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play. The Hornets fall to 3-6 overall and 0-1 in conference action.
The Cougar soccer squad led 3-0 at intermission, receiving goals from Marcos Fernandes, Dennis Geoffrey and Nick Kelly. Assists were given to Sam Gelven and Jordan Cox. In the second half, Lloyd Jacobs scored on a cross from Fernandes. Three minutes later, Jacobs again scored off another assist by Fernandes. Justin Robinson followed with a goal off a throw-in from Jacobs. Andrew Will netted Columbia’s final goal of the night giving the Cougars the 7-0 victory.
Tanner Mills and Zach Clem shared the shutout for Columbia. For the match, the Cougars recorded 18 shots to Harris-Stowe’s two.
Columbia returns to the field on Saturday, Sept. 23 when they travel to Liberty, Mo. to take on William Jewel (Mo.) College. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m.
Springfield, Ill. - The Cougar volleyball squad continued its winning ways in AMC action with a win over the University of Illinois at Springfield, 30-22, 30-21,30-15. The No. 7 ranked Cougars improve to 13-3 on the season and 3-0 in AMC play. UIS drops to 8-10 overall and 2-3 versus league foes.
Against the Prairie Stars, Yi Zhang had a team high 11 kills for Columbia. Rael Rotich added seven kills. Luana Branco posted 36 assists. Zhang and Branco also chipped in 11 digs a piece.
Columbia will return to action on Friday and Saturday at the Best of the Best Classic in Fort Wayne, Ind. The Cougars will take on Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio) University at 4 p.m. and Olivet Nazarene (Ind.) University at 8 p.m. on Friday in pool play action. Saturday's times and opponents will be based on Friday's results.
September 20, 2006
Volleyball and Soccer in Top 25 Ratings,
Cougars named AMC Players of the Week
Columbia, MO -- The Columbia College women’s volleyball team held steady at No. 7, while the Cougar soccer team jumped into the latest NAIA Top 25 Ratings at No. 19, released today by the national office.
The volleyball squad garnered 245 points and holds the No. 7 position for the third straight week. The Cougars are 12-3 on the season and 2-0 in conference play. National American (S.D.) University holds the No. 1 position with 321 points and nine first place votes. The Cougars' only losses of the season came at the hands of No. 1 National American and No. 6 Missouri Baptist University twice.
The Cougar soccer squad jumped from No. 26 to No. 19 this week. The Cougars are 5-2-0 on the season. Their only losses of the season came at the hands of No. 20 Mobile (Ala.) University and No. 5 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) University. Embry-Riddle (Fla.) University takes over the top spot in the men’s soccer poll with a perfect 5-0-0 record.
For their efforts last week, Cougar volleyball setter Luana Branco and Cougar soccer goalkeeper Tanner Mills were named the American Midwest Conference Setter and Player of the Week, respectively. Branco posted 13 kills and a hitting percentage of .364. She also had 87 assists, 27 digs, two service aces and two blocks. Mills helped the Cougars to a 2-0 record on the week, including a win over no. 14 ranked Grand View College. In his team's 3-1 win over St. Ambrose, Mills stopped nine shots and against Grand View he made five saves in recording the shutout.
The Cougar volleyball team is in Springfield, Ill. tonight to take on American Midwest Conference foe the University of Illinois at Springfield. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The Cougar soccer team is scheduled to take on Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University tonight at R. Marvin Owens Soccer Stadium on the Columbia College campus. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
September 18, 2006
Volleyball Cougars run record to 12-3
Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar volleyball team improved their record to 12-3 tonight after defeating Messenger (Mo.) College. The Cougars, ranked No. 7 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Rating, defeated the Eagles by scores of 30-8, 30-10 and 30-3.
Leading the way for the Cougars was Nancy Sikobe who tallied eight kills. Maria Omondi posted six kills. Jeanie Meyers racked up 19 assists in the match.
The Cougars return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 20 when they travel to Springfield, Ill. to take on American Midwest Conference foe the University of Illinois at Springfield. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
September 16, 2006
Cougar Soccer knocks off fourth ranked opponent of the season
Bellevue, Neb. - The Columbia Cougar soccer team recorded its fourth win over a ranked opponent this afternoon downing No. 14 Grand View (Iowa) College, 2-0. The win pushes the 26th ranked Cougars' overall record to 5-2. With the loss Grand View falls to 5-2 on the season.
Columbia’s Matt Budenholzer scored his first goal of the season to get the Cougars on the scoreboard in the 34th minute of play off an assist by Max Laitner. Lloyd Jacobs scored in the 88th minute to secure the two goal victory. Jacobs' goal was assisted by Justin Robinson.
Tanner Mills picked up his fifth win and third shutout of the season in goal for Columbia posting five saves.
The Cougars open American Midwest Conference play on Wednesday, September 20th at home against Harris-Stowe State University at 7 p.m.
September 15, 2006
Cougar Soccer knocks off Saint Ambrose
Bellevue, Neb. - The Columbia Cougar soccer team recorded its fourth win of the season on Friday night defeating Saint Ambrose (Iowa) University 3-1. The win pushes the 26th ranked Cougars' overall record to 4-2. Saint Ambrose falls to 0-6-1 on the season.
Columbia’s Marcos Fernandes scored his second goal of the season to get the Cougars on the scoreboard in the 28th minute of play. Dennis Geoffrey also scored his second goal of the season in the 33rd minute to put Columbia up 2-0 going into halftime.
Freshman Jordan Cox, a Hickman High School graduate, gave Columbia a three goal lead in the 58th minute when he scored his first collegiate goal. Matt Budenholzer was credited with the assist.
Saint Ambrose's lone goal was scored in the 68th minute of play.
The game was called with 15 minutes remaining in regulation due to lightning in the area. The game does count as a victory for the Cougars and the remaining time will not be played since the minimum 60 minutes had been completed.
Rock Bridge High School alum Tanner Mills picked up his fourth win of the season in goal for Columbia posting nine saves.
The Cougars will try to knock off their fourth ranked opponent of the season tomorrow in Bellevue, Neb. against No. 14 Grand View (Iowa) College at 4 p.m.
September 14, 2006
Cougar Volleyball rallies to five game win
Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar volleyball team used a strong charge in the fifth game to come back and beat American Midwest Conference (AMC) rival Missouri Baptist University 3-2 (30-24, 30-28, 24-30, 25-30, 15-12). The No. 6 ranked Spartans fall to 10-2 on the season and 1-1 in AMC play. Columbia, ranked No. 7 in the latest NAIA top 25 poll, improves to 11-3 overall and 2-0 versus league foes.
The Cougars looked strong throughout the first two games and headed into the third game with confidence. However, Missouri Baptist bounced back strong to take the next two games. Columbia jumped out quickly in the fifth game, before the Spartans rallied back, eventually tying the score at 10-10, but the Cougars kept fighting and eventually put the game away with back-to-back kills from sophomore outside hitter Rael Rotich
Columbia was led in the match by Rotich with 22 kills. Yi Zhang added 19 kills and a team high 20 digs. Nancy Sikobe added 16 kills. The Cougars recorded 10.5 total team blocks on the night, led by Juliana Quadrado with two solo blocks and four block assists. Luana Branco had 58 assists and 16 digs on the night.
Columbia takes a break this weekend and returns to play on Monday, Sept. 18 when they host Messenger (Mo.) College at 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
September 13, 2006
Volleyball Cougars remain at No. 7 in latest top 25 poll,
Soccer Cougars garner 15 votes
Columbia, Mo. – In the latest NAIA Top 25 Rating released today by the national office in Olathe, Kan., the Columbia Cougar volleyball team held the No. 7 spot for the second consecutive week with 239 points. The Cougars are 10-3 overall and 1-0 vs. American Midwest Conference (AMC) opponents.
The top eight teams shuffled their positions from a week ago, with National American (S.D.) University in the top spot with nine first place votes and a mark of 12-0. Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University is second with four first place votes and an unblemished 9-0 record. California Baptist University is third, followed by Concordia (Calif.) University, Dickinson State (N.D.) University and Missouri Baptist University.
The sixth-ranked Spartans from Missouri Baptist will be in Columbia on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. for a top-ten showdown vs. the Cougars in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
The Cougar soccer squad managed 15 votes in this week’s men’s soccer top 25 rating. Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University remained in the top position with all 13 first place votes and a 4-0-0 record. Rio Grande (Ohio) University is second, followed by Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College at No. 3.
Columbia’s AMC rival, Missouri Baptist, moved to the No. 9 position with a record of 3-0-0. Lindenwood (Mo.) University dropped to No. 16.
The Cougar soccer squad is in Bellevue, Neb. this weekend squaring off against Saint Ambrose (Iowa) University at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, and Grand View (Iowa) College at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15.
September 12, 2006
Former Cougar basketball star Andre Amos hired as new assistant coach
for Missouri State University-West Plains
West Plains, Mo. – A new assistant basketball coach has been hired at Missouri State University-West Plains.
Little Rock, Ark., native Andre Amos began his duties with the team Friday, Sept. 1. His hiring is pending approval of the Missouri State University Board of Governors, university officials noted.
“I am excited that Andre is joining the program,” Head Basketball Coach Brian Ostermann said. “Andre is a very personable young man who we believe will do a great job with the young men in our basketball program. He will be a great mentor to our players.”
Amos, a former junior college and NAIA collegiate player, comes to Missouri State-West Plains after spending the past year as assistant men’s basketball coach/intramural coordinator at Connors State College in Warner, Okla. From August 2004 to May 2005, he served as student assistant men’s basketball coach at Columbia College in Columbia, Mo.
“This will be Andre’s first full-time coaching job in the collegiate ranks, and he really wants to learn and develop himself into a great basketball coach,” Ostermann said. “He had some great experiences as a player, and now he will gain experience as a coach.”
As a player at Columbia College from 2002-2004, Amos helped lead the Cougars to 59-11 record. During the 2003-04 season, he guided the team to a fifth-place national ranking and 32-win season – the most wins in a season in school history. The NAIA All-American selection also led the nation in total steals that year with 96.
At Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, he helped the Rangers post a 52-16 record between 2000-2002 and a seventh place national finish his freshman year. In high school, Amos was part of a program at Little Rock’s Central High School that posted an 84-14 record during his four-year career and a state championship in 1999.
Academically, Amos earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from Columbia College in 2005 and Associate of Arts in General Studies from Northwest Mississippi Community College in 2002. He also was accepted into and completed several hours in the social work program at Columbia College.
“Andre comes highly recommended,” Ostermann said. “He is a rising star in the coaching profession. We are excited to have Andre in our program.”
release from Missouri-State University-West Plains Public Relations Department
September 11, 2006
Volleyball Cougars sweep Harris-Stowe
Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team pushed its conference record to 1-0 tonight, tallying a three-game win (30-11, 30-21, 30-17) over American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe, Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University. The Cougars, who are ranked No. 7 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Rating, are 10-3 overall. The loss drops the Hornets to 4-7 overall and 0-1 against league foes.
Sophomore outside hitter Rael Rotich led Columbia’s effort with 13 kills and five service aces. Yi Zhang added 11 kills and 13 digs. Luana Branco notched 29 assists and 11 digs.
The Cougars host AMC rival Missouri Baptist University this Thursday, September 14 at 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
September 9, 2006
Soccer Cougars fall to No. 8 Auburn Montgomery
Mobile, Ala. –The Columbia Cougar soccer team was defeated by No. 8 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) University tonight 0-6. The loss moves the Cougars, who are ranked No. 24 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, to 3-2-0 on the season.
Tanner Mills took the loss in goal for Columbia. Mills was relieved by Zach Clem in the 65th minute.
The Cougars will travel to Bellevue, Neb. on Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16. Columbia takes on Saint Ambrose (Iowa) University on Friday at 8:30 p.m. and returns on Saturday to face Grand View (Iowa) College at 4 p.m.
September 9, 2006
Volleyball Cougars unable to find consistency
Lamoni, Iowa – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team dropped two games today in the second day of competition at the Graceland University Pizza Shack Invitational. The Cougars fell to No. 1 rated National American (S.D.) University, 15-30, 20-30, 25-30, and then to No. 4 ranked Missouri Baptist University, 27-30, 21-30 and 24-30. The Cougars, who are ranked No. 7 in the NAIA Top 25 Poll, move to 9-3 on the season.
After two wins yesterday in the invitational, Columbia finished first in their pool and were placed in the championship bracket. The Cougars struggled against the Mavricks from National American and had trouble gaining the lead throughout the match. Columbia combined for 22 kills and 51 digs. Luana Branco added 19 assists.
With the loss, Columbia fell into the third place game against American Midwest Conference (AMC) rival Missouri Baptist. The Cougars again struggled and were unable to gain any lead. Rael Rotich led the Cougars with nine kills. Columbia totaled 34 kills for the match. Branco also recorded 24 assists and 12 digs.
The Cougars return to action this Monday, Sept. 11, when they host Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University in their first regular season AMC match-up. Start time is slated for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.
September 8, 2006
Cougar Volleyball improves to 9-1
Lamoni, Iowa – After two victories today in pool play at the Graceland University Pizza Shack Invitational, the No.7 ranked Cougars will face off against the No. 1 team in the NAIA tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. in the Gold bracket. National American (S.D.) University took over the No. 1 spot in this weeks NAIA top 25 poll after an 8-0 week and by defeating the previous No. 1 California Baptist. Columbia improves their overall record to 9-1.
In the first match of the day, the Cougars took on the University of Sioux Falls (S.D.). Columbia dominated Sioux Falls from the very beginning, defeating them in three games by scores of 30-18, 30-11 and 30-25. Alice Mucheke led a balanced attack with 10 kills. Mucheke also added 16 digs. Luana Branco set up the attack with 30 assists.
The Cougars’ second match of the day came against No. 21 ranked Westminster (Utah) College. Columbia struggled to find consistency against the Griffons, winning in five games by scores of 30-19, 27-30, 33-31, 28-30 and 15-8. The Cougars came out swinging strong in the first game and then turned out flat in the second. In the third game Columbia was down 18-5. The Cougars went on a 19-6 run to tie the game up at 24 and eventually came back to win it. The fourth game was much of the same, with Columbia trailing throughout the game and although they did make a 7-0 run to tie the game at 28, they were unable to finish it. The fifth game revealed a strong Cougar team that got out to a quick 9-3 lead and did not look back.
Rael Rotich led Columbia with 18 kills. Juliana Quadrado posted 17 kills, Nancy Sikobe and Mucheke added 15 a piece. Branco ended with 52 assists and 11 kills.
September 8, 2006
Cougar Soccer falls to Mobile
Mobile, Ala. – The Cougar soccer squad suffered their first loss of the season tonight as they were defeated by No. 22 ranked University of Mobile (Ala.) 2-0. Columbia, who is ranked No. 24 in the latest top 25 poll, falls to 3-1-0 on the season.
Both teams went scoreless through the first half of play. Mobile scored their first goal in the 54th minute and their second in the 61st to shutout the Cougars.
Tanner Mills took the loss in goal for Columbia, posting five saves.
The Cougars continue their stay in Alabama tomorrow when they take on Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) University at 5 p.m.
September 6, 2006
Sophomore goalkeeper Tanner Mills named NAIA Player of the Week
Cougar Soccer goalkeeper Tanner Mills was named NAIA Men's Soccer Player of the Week for the week ending September 3, 2006.
Mills, a sophomore from Columbia, Mo., helped shutout two nationally ranked teams to open the 2006 season. Mills posted three saves and two shutouts in 180 minutes of action. Columbia posted victories over Hastings College (Neb.) and Bellevue University (Neb.) last week.
September 6, 2006
Volleyball Cougars fall to No. 7, Soccer Cougars jump to No. 24
Columbia, Mo. –The Columbia Cougar volleyball team dropped four spots in the latest NAIA Top 25 Rating, released today by the national office in Olathe, Kan. The Cougars slipped from No. 3 to No. 7 after falling to last week’s No. 6 Missouri Baptist University in the Best Western/KMIZ Classic last Saturday. The Cougars are 7-1 on the season.
National American (S.D.) University claims the top spot with seven first place votes and a record of 8-0. Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University is No. 2 with six first place votes and an 8-0 record.
Columbia’s American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Missouri Baptist jumped to No. 4 in this week's poll.
The Cougars have a chance to face three of the top ten teams this weekend, National American, Missouri Baptist and Dickinson State, the eighth ranked team in the country, as they compete in the Graceland University Pizza Shack Invitational in Lamoni, Iowa.
The Cougar soccer squad, which is 3-0-0 on the season, tallied 48 votes and a No.24 ranking in the men’s soccer top 25. AMC rival McKendree (Ill.) College jumped from No. 8 to No. 5.
Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University took over the top position with 12 first place votes and a 2-0-0 record. Rio Grande (Ohio) is No. 2, followed by Southern Nazarene (Okla.) in the No. 3 position. Lindsey Wilson holds the No. 4 spot.
Columbia will face off against No. 22 ranked Mobile (Ala.) University on Friday, September 8 at 7:30 p.m. and No. 8 ranked Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) University on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. in Mobile, Ala.
September 5, 2006
Soccer Cougars defeat No. 12 ranked Lindenwood
Columbia, Mo. -- The Columbia Cougar soccer team picked up an important Region V win tonight, knocking off Lindenwood (Mo.) University by a score of 3-1. The Lions are ranked No. 12 in the Preseason NAIA Top 25 Poll. Tonight's win pushes Columbia's overall record to 3-0-0. The loss drops Lindenwood to 2-1-0.
The Lions got their lone score of the night and first of the match in the 29th minute. Junior forward Dennis Geoffrey recorded the second goal of the match in the 31st minute. Geoffrey's goal was assisted by Marcos Fernandes. Columbia took the lead in the 49th minute when Justin Robinson scored off an assist by Lloyd Jacobs. Jacobs added a goal of his own in the 57th minute when he knocked in a ball from Geoffrey.
Tanner Mills recorded the win in goal for the Cougars. Mills posted eight saves in the contest.
For his efforts Tanner Mills has been named the American Midwest Conference (AMC) player of the week for the first week of the 2006 season. Mills, a sophomore from Columbia, Mo., recorded back-to-back shutouts in the Cougars' two wins over nationally ranked opponents. Against sixth ranked Hastings, Mills made one save in the 1-0 win. He followed that with two saves against No. 23 ranked Bellevue in the Cougar 2-0 win.
The cougars return to the field this weekend in Mobile, Ala. Columbia will face the University of Mobile on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and No. 5 ranked Auburn Montgomery on Saturday at 5 p.m.
September 2, 2006
Cougars fall in Championship match
Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia Cougar volleyball squad fell to No. 6 ranked Missouri Baptist University today in the championship match of the Best Western/KMIZ Volleyball Classic. After finishing 2-0 in yesterday’s action, the Cougars went 1-1 today with a win against Lindenwood (Mo.) University. Columbia, which is ranked No. 3 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll, moves to 7-1 on the season.
In their first match of the day, Columbia wrapped up pool play with a four-game win over Lindenwood, dropping the Lions 30-24, 20-30, 30-20 and 30-20. Rael Rotich led the way for the Cougars with 16 kills. Alice Mucheke totaled eight kills and 28 digs. Luana Branco tallied 36 assists and 11 digs.
Against American Midwest Conference (AMC) rival Missouri Baptist, the Cougars went down in three straight games, 29-31, 29-31 and 28-30. Yi Zhang led Columbia’s offensive charge with 15 kills. Rotich added 12 kills and Jessica Williams totaled 14 digs. Branco tallied 37 assists.
Click for a complete list of results from the tournament.
Following the tournament, a 12-member all-tournament team, as well as a most valuable player, was recognized. Missouri Baptist's Ana Mercado was honored as the most valuable player. Members of the all-tournament team include Danielle Rynd from Lindenwood, Shannon Swiney from Missouri Baptist, Kristin Engle from Black Hills State (S.D.) University, Skye Wade from William Woods, Kristen Quinn from Culver-Stockton (Mo.) College, Katie Werner and Natalie Koopman-Meyers from Concordia (Neb.) University, Amy Schiller and Jessica Hoeh from Georgetown (Ky.) College, and Rotich, Branco and Zhang from Columbia.
The Cougars return to action on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 8-9, when they travel to Lamoni, Iowa to compete in the Graceland University Pizza Shack Invitational.
For a complete list of game times visit www.columbiacougars.com.
September 1, 2006
Volleyball Cougars remain undefeated
Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia Cougar volleyball team opened its 2006 home schedule today with the first day of the Best Western/KMIZ Volleyball Classic in Southwell Complex. The Cougars, who are ranked No. 3 in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 Poll, recorded wins over Concordia (Neb.) University (30-21, 30-27, 28-30, 30-17) and Black Hills State (S.D.) University (30-22, 30-28, 30-25). The victories push Columbia’s overall record to 6-0.
Alice Mucheke led the charge against Concordia in the early match of the day. Mucheke hammered down 16 kills while picking up 13 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Rael Rotich posted 12 kills and Nancy Sikobe chipped in 10 kills and nine digs. Cougar setter Luana Branco quarterbacked the offense with 38 assists. Branco also ended with 17 digs and seven kills.
Against Black Hills State Mucheke and Rotich again led the offensive attack for Columbia, pounding 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Mucheke also had 14 digs. Branco added 48 assists.
The Cougars wrap up pool play in the Best Western/KMIZ Volleyball Classic vs. Lindenwood (Mo.) University tomorrow at 9 a.m. With a win in the morning match, the Cougars will play for the championship match at 3 p.m.
Click here to view a complete schedule as well as day one results.
September 1, 2006
Columbia College Athletic Hall of Fame induction slated for Friday, Oct. 6
Columbia, Mo. - Dr. Gerald Brouder, Columbia College president, and Bob Burchard, athletic director, will induct the fourth class of the Columbia College Athletic Hall of Fame at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6 in Dulany Hall on the Columbia College campus. Brouder officially announced today that the class will include Laura Williams-Blechle, Susan and Wayne Kreklow, Dr. Audrey Montooth, Thomas W. Roberts and Wendy Spratt.
Williams-Blechle, known by her teammates and friends as “Flea,” was a Cougar Softball player from 1986-1990. Williams-Blechle played a key role in Columbia College’s rise as a national contender, helping the team win its first District Softball Championship and first appearance in the NAIA Softball National Championship Tournament, as well as an overall record of 174-38 (821). The 1989 team still holds the Cougar Softball single-season record for fewest losses (5) and highest winning percentage (.921). With Williams-Blechle on the field, the Cougars finished no lower than No. 12 in the NAIA final rankings. She helped propel the team to a No. 1 ranking, a Columbia College Athletic Department first, in 1989.
Individually, Williams-Blechle holds the Cougar Softball single-season record for most runs scored (83), most walks batting (62) and most stolen bases (54). In addition, she batted more than .300 in each of her four seasons. She was co-team captain during her sophomore, junior and senior years, and she was voted most valuable player during her junior and senior seasons. Williams-Blechle was a three-time All-Conference selection, two-time Academic All-Conference award winner, two-time First-Team All-District 16 selection, NAIA Honorable Mention All-American in her junior year and NAIA Second Team All-American in her senior year. She also was an NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete her senior year. Williams-Blechle was voted Columbia College Female Athlete of the Year in 1989. She graduated from Columbia College in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in education and received certification in K-12 physical education and health from the University of Missouri. She earned a master’s degree in education from Webster University. She has been a head softball coach and physical education instructor for the past 15 years. She currently coaches and teaches at Wentzville Holt High School in Wentzville, Mo., where she resides with her husband, Jeff, a Cougar Soccer alumnus, and their three children, Justin, 12; Drew, 8; and Timmy, 5.
Susan and Wayne Kreklow began their coaching careers at Columbia College at different times, but they shared the enjoyment of leading the college’s Cougar Volleyball team to its first national championship in 1998, with a repeat performance in 1999. Susan Kreklow joined Columbia College in 1990 as volleyball coach. During the next four seasons, she led the Cougars to four straight conference championships and an overall record of 189-57 (.768). Wayne Kreklow joined her in 1994 as co-head coach of the women’s volleyball team and head coach of the newly created men’s volleyball team. The following six seasons “Team Kreklow” saw unmatched success at Columbia College with six more conference championships, back-to-back undefeated seasons in 1998 and 1999, two NAIA National Championships and an overall record of 267-29 (.902). They were six-time Conference Coaches of the Year, five-time Region Coaches of the Year and two-time NAIA Coaches of the Year. The Kreklows coached nine NAIA All-Americans, two NAIA All-America Scholar-Athletes, five NAIA Players of the Week and one NAIA Player of the Year. Since leaving Columbia College in 2000, the Kreklows’ success has continued at the University of Missouri. During the past season, Wayne Kreklow, head coach, and Susan Kreklow, associate head coach, led the Tigers to an overall record of 25-5 and an appearance in the NCAA Elite Eight. The Kreklows reside in Columbia, Mo., with their three children, Rick, 14; Ali, 11; and Ryan, 10.
Montooth was a Cougar softball player from 1987-1991, serving as a vital member of numerous conference and district championship teams. During her four seasons, she helped the Cougars to an overall record of 203-37 (.843) and four straight conference championships, as well as the team’s first two District 16 Championships and first two trips to the NAIA Softball National Championship Tournament in 1990 and 1991. The 1991 team still holds the single-season record for most victories with 61 wins. The Cougars finished the year ranked no lower than eighth and as high as second during Montooth’s career. She also was a part of the 1989 team that was ranked No. 1 in the nation at one point in the season.
Individually, Montooth holds the record for most fielding chances in a season (460) and is tied for sixth-highest single-season fielding percentage (.993). In three of her four years, Montooth batted more than .300 for the year. She was named team co-captain and voted most valuable player in her senior season. Montooth was recognized as a two-time All-Conference selection, Conference Player of the Year (1991), First-Team All-District 16 (1991) and NAIA First-Team All-American (1991). For her efforts in the classroom, Montooth was a three-time Academic All-Conference recipient and two-time NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete. After earning her undergraduate degree in biology with minors in math, chemistry and history from Columbia College in 1991, she graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School. Montooth currently is in private practice in St. Louis, Mo. In fall 2005, Montooth was selected as the Columbia College Graduate of the 1990s.
Roberts played basketball for the Cougars from 1987-1991 under Bob Burchard, current head coach. Roberts helped lead the Cougars to back-to-back 30-win seasons in his junior and senior seasons and was an integral part of initiating the winning tradition of Cougar Basketball. Roberts helped lead Columbia College to its first national tournament appearance in any sport during the 1989-1990 season.
Roberts finished his career as the second leading scorer in school history, now in third position at 1,678. Roberts also ranks eighth all-time in assists (239) and 21st in rebounding (366). Roberts is a two-time all-conference honoree and was a First-Team All-District selection his senior season. Roberts also was voted most valuable player in his senior season. In 1991, Roberts’ jersey was retired, making him one of only two men’s basketball players to date to earn this honor. Roberts graduated from Columbia College with a degree in criminal justice administration in 1991 and currently is the head women’s basketball coach at New Mexico Highlands University, an NCAA Division II school located in Las Vegas, N.M.
Spratt was a Cougar Softball player from 1986-1990, and helped lead the team to become the national powerhouse it is today. During her four-year career, Cougar Softball won its first District Softball Championship and made its first appearance in the NAIA Softball National Championship Tournament. The Cougars had an overall record of 174-38 (821). The 1989 team that Spratt was a part of still holds the Cougar Softball single-season record for fewest losses (five) and highest winning percentage (.921). With Spratt on the field, the Cougars finished no lower than No. 12 in an NAIA final ranking. She helped propel the team to a No. 1 ranking, a Columbia College Athletic Department first, in 1989.
Individually, Spratt is tied for the most hits by a player in a game (five) and holds the single-season record for highest batting average (.480). Spratt batted more than .300 during her sophomore and junior seasons and over .400 during her freshman (.421) and senior (.480) seasons. As a freshman, Spratt was voted co-most valuable player. She is a two-time all-conference award winner, four-time First-Team All-District 16 recipient and a First-Team All-American her senior year. For her off-the-field efforts, Spratt was a two-time Academic
All-Conference award winner and a two-time NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete. She was also named co-Columbia College Female Athlete of the Year during her senior season along with fellow Columbia College Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Wendy Mertz Slifka. Spratt graduated from Columbia College with a degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing including a minor in psychology, in 1990. She now is in her 12th season as head coach of the Columbia College women’s softball team and has led the Cougars to a 480-212 record, as well as seven American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season championships.
The 2006 Columbia College Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6 in Dulany Hall on the Columbia College campus. Tickets for the event are $30. For more information, contact Carla Aufdemberge, assistant events coordinator, at (573) 875-7676.
