Columbia Cougars

October 2006 Headlines

October 30, 2006
Cougars win for a cause

Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia College volleyball team celebrated a win over American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe William Woods (Mo.) University tonight, 30-11, 30-14, 30-27.  The team also celebrated a win for a good cause tonight, as the Cougar Athletic Department hosted a 'Pink Out' to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.  Columbia improved to 33-4 on the season and 12-0 in Conference play.  The Owls dropped to 12-16 overall and 5-7 versus league foes. 

Leading the way for Columbia was Yi Zhang with 11 kills. Juliana Quadrado tallied 10 kills and 17 digs. Rael Rotich and Luana Branco logged nine and eight kills respectively, while Branco totaled 33 assists and 13 digs. Freshman defensive specialist Jessica Williams also totaled 13 digs.

William Woods ended with 22 kills and 34 digs on the night.  Skye Wade chipped in 15 assists for the Owls.

In total Columbia College and William Woods raised over $1500 through ticket sales and individual donations.

The Cougars return to the court on Wednesday, Nov. 1, when they travel to Lebanon, Ill. to face AMC rival McKendree (Ill.) College.  Game time is set for 7 p.m.

 

October 25, 2006
Volleyball Cougars stay No. 6

Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia Cougar volleyball team maintained its hold on the No. 6 position in the NAIA Top 25 Volleyball Rating for the fourth consecutive week.  Columbia is 32-4 overall and 11-0 in league play. The Cougars received 269 points. National American University (S.D.) holds the No. 1 position with 321 points.

For her efforts on the week, Luana Branco, a sophomore setter for the Cougar volleyball squad, has been named the AMC and Region V Player of the Week. The Sao Paulo, Brazil native topped 30 assists in each of her three matches this week, and posted 38 assists, 10-kills and 19-digs in a 3-0 win over Iowa Wesleyan College.  Branco tallied 103 assists in 9 games to averaged 11.44 assists per contest. She also accumulated three aces and six blocks for the week. The Cougars were 2-1 to on the week and move to 31-4 on the season and is ranked sixth.

The Cougars play their final regular season home contest on Monday, Oct. 30. Columbia hosts William Woods (Mo.) University at 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.  Prior to the match senior Shari Tuttle will be honored.

October 24, 2006
Volleyball Cougars defeat Hannibal-LaGrange, improve to 32-4
Soccer defeats Westminster 3-0

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team picked up its eleventh conference win tonight, downing American Midwest Conference (AMC) foe Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College by scores of 30-22, 30-16, and 30-18.  The win pushes the Cougars, who are the sixth-ranked team in the NAIA, to 32-4 on the season.

Rael Rotich led the way with 20 kills and three blocks. Juliana Quadrado ended with 11 kills, nine digs and three blocks.  Luana Branco added 44 assists and 12 digs.  The Cougars finished the night with a total of 10 service aces, six from Branco and four from Maria Omondi.

The Cougars play their final regular season home contest on Monday, Oct. 30. Columbia hosts William Woods (Mo.) University at 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.  Prior to the match senior Shari Tuttle will be honored.

Columbia, Mo. – In soccer action the Cougars tallied a  victory tonight, dropping Westminster (Mo.) College 3-0. Columbia improves to 11-6-0 on the season.

In the second half of action Justin Robinson put Columbia on the board, scoring a goal in the 63rd minute.  Robinson's goal was assisted by Chris Wright.  Four minutes later Lloyd Jacobs scored off an assist from Marcos Fernandes.  Dennis Geoffrey closed out the scoring in the 85th minute to give the Cougars the 3-0 win. 

Zach Clem notched the shutout in goal for Columbia. The sophomore totaled one save.

The Cougars play their final regular season contest on Friday, Oct. 27. Columbia hosts Truman State (Mo.) University at 7 p.m. at Owens Soccer Stadium.

October 23, 2006
Lady Cougars picked as favorite in 2006-07 AMC race

Lebanon, Ill. – Columbia College has earned the top spot in the 2006-07 American Midwest Conference women’s basketball pre-season poll. Voting was conducted by the head coaches from the eight AMC institutions.

The Lady Cougars posted an 18-13 overall record last season, and advanced to the semifinal round of the AMC Tournament. Columbia was 11-3 in AMC play in 2005-06. The Lady Cougars will be looking to make its fifth NAIA National Championship appearance in the last six years.

Head Coach Mike Davis is entering his sixth season at Columbia College where he has compiled an overall record of 132-41.  Davis returns four starters from last years team including senior guard Jessica Wilkerson, senior forward Rachel Davis, senior forward LeAnn Fossum and senior forward Valerie Suarez.  Fossum is the team’s top retuning scorer (15.5).  Wilkerson is the Lady Cougars’ top returning rebounder (8.1).

“We are honored to be chosen as the preseason favorite in the AMC.  Our team is excited, but we understand the work that is ahead of us.  We have a lot to prove this season,” said Davis.

Six new players will be on the Lady Cougar bench this season including three freshmen and three junior college transfers.  Transfers include Megan Archuleta, a 6-0 junior forward, from Crowder Community College, Danielle Riekeberg, a 6-1 senior forward, from Florida Atlantic University and Amber Lewellen, a 5-9 junior guard, from Moberly Area Community College.  Incoming freshmen include Whitney Davis (Boonville, Mo.), Whitney Widaman (Mexico, Mo.) and Khalia Colier (Saint Peters, Mo.).

The Lady Cougars open the 2006-07 campaign on the road Nov. 1 against Kansas Wesleyan University, then return to Columbia for the home opener on Nov. 6 against Oklahoma Baptist University.

The complete 2006-07 AMC pre-season poll, along with the final conference standings from 2005-06, are listed below.

 

October 23, 2006
Cougar Basketball picked third in AMC coaches’ poll           

Lebanon, Ill. – The University of Illinois at Springfield has been picked as the favorite in the race for the 2006-07 American Midwest Conference (AMC) men’s basketball regular-season title, followed by McKendree College and Columbia College. Voting for the pre-season poll was conducted by the head coaches from the league’s seven teams.  

Columbia College claimed a share of the AMC regular-season title and finished the year with an overall record of 24-9. The Cougars earned a berth to the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship for the eighth consecutive year.

Head coach Bob Burchard is entering his 19 season at the helm of the Cougar Basketball program and has compiled a career record of 460-160.  Senior forward Bryant Chambly, senior guard Marcus Bradford and senior point guard Ryan Steinhoff are the Cougars’ three returning starters.  Chambly is the team’s top returning scorer (12.0) and rebounder (6.9). 

“Our squad has a nice blend of veterans who know what it takes to compete at the national level and experienced transfers.  We have a tough non-conference schedule that will help us prepare for league play.  It will take a very strong team to challenge for our league championship,” said Burchard.

Newcomers to the 2006-07 Cougars include Trae Hall, a 6-0 junior guard, from Connors State College, DeAndre’ Carrol, a 6-5 junior guard, from Pensacola Junior College, William Boatwright, a 6-5 junior forward, from Neosheo County Community College and Joe Chapin, a 5-11 junior guard, from the University of Central Missouri. 

The Cougars open the 2006-07 campaign at home Nov. 1 against Lindenwood (Mo.) University. 

The complete 2006-07 AMC pre-season poll, along with the final standings from 2005-06 season, are listed below.  

 

October 21, 2006
Truman State breaks Cougar Volleyball winning streak

Kirksville, Mo. – In volleyball action today in Kirksville, Mo., the Columbia Cougars notched a split.  In their first game of the day, the Cougars defeated Iowa Wesleyan College (30-24, 30-19, 30-17) and were upset by Truman State (Mo.) University (20-30, 27-30, 28-30) in three games. The Cougars, who are ranked No. 6 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, are 31-4 overall.

Against Iowa Wesleyan, Rael Rotich led the charge with 13 kills.  Juliana Quadrado posted 11 kills.  Luana Branco chipped in 19 digs and 38 assists. 

Versus Truman State, Rotich again led the Cougars with 12 kills.  Yi Zhang had 11 kills and Jessica Williams ended with 18 digs.  Branco had 19 digs and 30 assists. 

Columbia returns to American Midwest Conference action on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The Cougars put their 10-0 league record on the line vs. Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College in the Arena of Southwell Complex at 7 p.m.

 

October 18, 2006
Soccer Cougars down Missouri Baptist on last-minute goal,
Volleyball squad cruises to win over UIS

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar soccer team improved to 10-6-0 on the season and 5-2-0 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) action tonight, dropping Missouri Baptist University by a score of 2-1.  

Missouri Baptist scored first when they broke the 0-0 tie in the 72nd minute when they scored to go ahead 1-0.  The Cougars came right back and were able to score twice in the last nine minutes of the game.  Vinicio Aizpurua scored in the 81st minute off an assist from Jordan Cox.  Dennis Geoffrey scored the game winner for Columbia in the 86th minute.   

Zach Clem got the win in goal for the Cougars. Clem posted three saves on the night

The soccer team returns to action on Tuesday, Oct. 24. The Cougars host Westminster (Mo.) College at 7 p.m.

Columbia, Mo. - In volleyball action the Cougars had no trouble in their AMC contest, downing the University of Illinois-Springfield 30-16, 30-25 and 30-15. Columbia is now 30-3 on the season and 10-0 vs. conference opponents. The Cougars are ranked No. 6 in the latest national ranking. The Prairie Stars fall to 14-18 overall and 5-5 versus league foes. 

Leading the effort for Columbia was Rael Rotich with 15 kills and two blocks. Juliana Quadrado added nine kills, six digs and six blocks. Luana Branco chipped in 35 assists.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Cougars travel to Kirksville, Mo. to compete against Iowa Wesleyan College at 2 p.m. and Truman State (Mo.) University at 5 p.m.

 

October 18, 2006
Volleyball Cougars Keep No. 6 Spot in Latest NAIA Top 25 Poll
Williams and Rotich named Players of the Week

Columbia, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team holds the No. 6 position in the NAIA Top 25 Volleyball Rating, released today by the national office, for the third consecutive week.  The Cougars were 5-0 last week, notching victories over conference opponents Missouri Baptist University and Harris-Stowe (Mo.) State University as well as Region V opponents MidAmerica Nazarene University, Lindenwood University and Graceland University.

Columbia is 29-3 overall and 9-0 in league play. The Cougars received 265 points.

National American (S.D.) University remains at No. 1 and is followed by Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University, California Baptist University, Concordia (Calif.) University and Dickinson State University (N.D.). 

Columbia's AMC rival Missouri Baptist jumped one spot to No. 8 in this week's poll.  Region V foe Lindenwood moved from No. 24 to No. 22 this week. 

For their efforts last week Rael Rotich and Jessica Williams were named AMC Player and Libero of the week, respectively.    Rotich, also a Region V Player of the week recipient, had 56 kills, and reached double-digits with 10 attacks against Missouri Baptist and 23 versus Lindenwood. Rotich also contributed 10 digs and 13 blocks. Williams had 46 digs and did not commit an error in 63 pass attempts. In addition, Williams had six service aces for the week. In Columbia's win over No. 24 Lindenwood University, Williams had 19 digs and handled 24 pass attempts.

The volleyball squad is hosting the University of Illinois at Springfield tonight at 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.

 

October 17, 2006
Columbia College named an NAIA Champions of Character Institution

Olathe, Kan. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) named 111 colleges and universities, including Columbia College, to the list of Champions of Character institutions for the 2005-06 school year. These Champions of Character institutions continue to embrace the program by promoting or implementing activities related to the five core values: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. 

“The Champions of Character program offers institutions a game plan dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. The institutions recognized are not only creating a positive experience for students but also fostering environments that not only teach competition but life lessons that can be used in all realms of sport and society,” said NAIA Director of Champions of Character Initiatives Rob Miller. “Success follows teams that incorporate the Champions of Character philosophy into athletic programs. The program is designed to build great teams and great people and these institutions should be commended for their dedication and commitment to the initiative.” 

Introduced in 2000, the nationally recognized Champions of Character program seeks to create environments in which student-athletes, youth, parents, coaches, officials and spectators are committed and understand the true spirit of competition.  

In addition to designated Champions of Character institutions the NAIA has developed 27 Champions of Character program centers across the country. Program centers coordinate community outreach activities that integrate with existing institutional initiatives and fit the specific needs of the local community. In developing outreach efforts, each program center has at its disposal a range of educational publications, programs and resources available from the NAIA national office.

For a complete list of NAIA Champions of Character institutions click here.

Posted on 10.13.06 on www.NAIA.org by Staci Schottman.
 

October 14, 2006
Cougar Volleyball wins 20th consecutive match
Cougar Soccer downs AMC foe UIS 2-0

St. Charles, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team posted two Region V victories today over Graceland (Iowa) University (30-24, 30-23, 30-24) and No. 24 ranked Lindenwood (Mo.) University (30-19, 18-30, 27-30, 30-19, 15-10).  The Cougars, who are ranked No. 6 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improve to 29-3 overall and have won 20 consecutive matches.

Alice Mucheke led the Cougars in the win over Graceland with 11 kills, 10 digs and five blocks.  Yi Zhang chipped in with nine kills, 17 digs and two blocks.  Setter Luana Branco dished out 26 assists.

In the Cougars five game victory over Lindenwood, Rael Rotich finished with 23 kills.  Zhang tallied 17 kills and 29 digs.  Juliana Quadrado posted 13 kills, 25 digs and six blocks.  Branco finished with 60 assists and 22 digs.

The Cougars return home for a Wednesday evening match with the University of Illinois at Springfield on Oct. 18.  First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Arena of Southwell Complex.

Springfield, Ill. – In an American Midwest Conference match-up the Columbia Cougar soccer team defeated the Prairie Stars from the University of Illinois at Springfield, 2-0. The win improves the Cougars’ overall record to 9-6 on the season and 4-2 in conference play. The Prairie Stars fall to 5-5-3 overall and 2-2-1 in AMC action.

Justin Robinson scored the game winning goal in the 70th minute from a cross by Chris Wright that was headed on by Ross Mathew.  Columbia's second goal of the match came in the 81st minute on a give-and-go goal by Lloyd Jacobs from Gideon Leteyian that initially started with Nick Kelly.

Zach Clem recorded the shutout in goal for the Cougars with four saves

The Cougars finish up AMC play at home on Wednesday, Oct. 18 when they take on No. 18 ranked Missouri Baptist University.  Kick off is schedule for 7 p.m.

October 13, 2006
Cougar Volleyball defeats No. 9 Missouri Baptist for 18th consecutive win

St. Louis, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team improved its American Midwest Conference record to 9-0 tonight posting a road win over No. 9 ranked Missouri Baptist University 30-16, 30-24, 30-28. The Cougars, who are ranked No. 6 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improve to 27-3 overall and have won 18 consecutive matches.

The Cougars remain in St. Louis for an afternoon doubleheader at Lindenwood (Mo.) University on Saturday, Oct. 14.  Columbia will face Graceland (Iowa) University at 3:30 p.m. and Lindenwood at 6 p.m.

 

October 12, 2006
Cougar soccer defeats Owls from William Woods

Fulton, Mo. – In an American Midwest Conference match-up in Fulton, Mo., the Columbia Cougar soccer team defeated William Woods (Mo.) University, 4-1. The win improves the Cougars’ overall record to 8-6 on the season and 3-2 in conference play. The Owls fall to 4-10 overall and 2-4 in AMC action.

Gideon Leteyian, Justin Robinson, Lloyd Jacobs and Nick Kelly all scored goals for the Cougars.  Max Laitner, Zach Clem and Chris Wright tallied assists for Columbia.

The Owls scored their lone goal in the second half on a penalty kick bringing the score to 3-1. 

Zach Clem recorded the win in goal.

The Cougars continue AMC play on Saturday, Oct. 14 when they hit the road to take on the University of Illinois at Springfield at 7 p.m.

October 11, 2006
Volleyball Cougars remain at No. 6
Branco named AMC Setter of the Week

Olathe, Kan. - In the latest NAIA Top 25 Volleyball Rating, the Cougars stayed at No. 6 for the second straight week. Columbia, which is 26-3 on the season, pulled in 259 points. The Cougars are 8-0 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season play.

The top 14 spots in the national volleyball ranking remained the same from a week ago, with National American (S.D.) University in the top spot with a perfect 21-0 mark. Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University is second and is also perfect through week six with a record of 18-0. California Baptist University is third, followed by Concordia (Calif.) University and Dickinson State (N.D.) University.

Columbia’s mid-Missouri and AMC rival, Missouri Baptist University is ranked No. 9.  Region V foe, Lindenwood (Mo.) University is 19-8 on the season and ranked No. 24.

Luana Branco is the AMC Setter of the Week. Branco averaged 11 assists per game as the Cougars swept all four of their matches last week. Branco posted 126 total assists to go along with 32 kills, 48 digs, six aces and 10 blocks. Branco notched a triple-double against Hannibal-LaGrange College with 11 kills, 33 assists and 16 digs.

Columbia is in St. Louis, Mo. on Friday, Oct. 13, to take on Missouri Baptist. The first service is scheduled for 7 p.m.

 

October 10, 2006
Volleyball Cougars handle Harris-Stowe

St. Louis, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball team improved its American Midwest Conference mark to 8-0 tonight, whipping Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University 30-16, 30-10, 30-15. The Cougars, who are ranked No. 6 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, improve to 26-3 overall.

Leading the way for the Cougars was Yi Zhang, Rael Rotich and Juliana Quadrado with 6 kills a piece. Luana Branco added 30 assists. 

The Cougars are back in action on Friday, Oct. 13 when they travel to St. Louis, Mo. to take on AMC rival Missouri Baptist University. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

 

October 9, 2006
Volleyball cruises to Region V victory

Columbia, Mo. – The Cougar volleyball squad improved to 25-3 overall tonight, scoring a Region V win over MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) University. Columbia, which is ranked No. 6 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, defeated the Lady Pioneers 30-11, 30-16 and 30-7. The loss drops MidAmerica to 6-19 overall.

Columbia held the Lady Pioneers to just 14 kills in the contest, allowing the visiting squad to convert just 16 percent of their attacks. The Cougars managed 37 kills, including eight by Juliana Quadrado. Rael Rotich chipped in seven kills and three blocks.

Luana Branco also aided in Columbia’s win. Branco tallied 25 assists, six kills and a team high 13 digs.

Columbia travels to St. Louis, Mo. on Tuesday, Oct. 10 to take on American Midwest Conference foe Harris-Stowe State (Mo.) University.  Game time is set for 7 p.m.

 

October 7, 2006
Volleyball Cougars finish Lindenwood tournament 3-0
Soccer falls to Baker

St. Louis, Mo. - The Cougar volleyball team finished the Lindenwood University tournament today with a 3-0 record after defeating William Jewell (Mo.) College by scores of 30-17, 30-27 and 30-26.  The Cougars, ranked No. 6 in the latest NAIA Top 25 poll, improve to 24-3 on the season. 

Columbia was led by Rael Rotich with 10 kills.  Luana Branco, Nancy Sikobe and Yi Zhang posted eight kills a piece.  Zhang added 16 digs while Branco chipped in 31 assists. 

The Cougars return to action on Monday, October 9, when they host MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) University at 7 p.m.

Columbia, Mo. - The Columbia Cougar soccer squad was unable to pull out a homecoming day victory, falling to Baker (Kan.) University by a score of 2-0. The Cougars fall to 7-6-0 with the loss. Baker improves to 5-7-0. 

Both teams remained scoreless until the 68th minute when Baker netted the game-winner for the Wildcats. Baker scored the final goal of the game in the 81st minute of play. 

Tanner Mills took the loss in goal for Columbia posting four saves.

The Cougars return to action next Thursday, Oct. 12 when they travel to Fulton, Mo. to take on American Midwest Conference foe William Woods (Mo.) University.  Game time is set for 4 p.m.

 

October 6, 2006
Cougars Start Lindenwood tournament 2-0

St. Charles, Mo. – The Columbia Cougar volleyball squad improved to 23-3 today, picking up two wins in the Lindenwood University Invitational. The Cougars defeated Central Methodist (Mo.) University by scores of 30-10, 30-17, 30-27, and Culver-Stockton (Mo.) College by scores of 30-15, 34-32, and 30-18. Columbia is ranked No. 6 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll.

Versus Central Methodist, Yi Zhang and Juliana Quadrado led the cougars with 12 kills a piece.  Alice Mucheke also added 16 digs.   Luana Branco chipped in 30 assists.

Leading the effort vs. Culver-Stockton was Rael Rotich with 16 kills and Zhang with 13 kills and three blocks.  Branco contributed with 34 assists in the Cougars second win of the night.

The Cougars continue tomorrow in the Lindenwood Invitational, taking on William Jewell (Mo.) College at 9:30 a.m. Columbia will travel home tomorrow afternoon to compete in an alumni scrimmage for Columbia’s Homecoming/Family Day at 4 p.m.

 

October 5, 2006
Soccer Cougars whip Williams Baptist, down the Eagles 9-0

Walnut Ridge, Ark. – The Columbia Cougar soccer team improved to 7-5-0 today, dropping the Williams Baptist (Ark.) College Eagles in a conference match-up by a score of 9-0. The Cougars are 2-2-0 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) action.

The Cougars led the host squad 3-0 at halftime. Gideon Leteyian put Columbia on the board in the 12th minute. Justin Robinson added goal number two in the 33rd minute.  Nick Kelly posted the final goal of the half in the 42nd minute.

Ross Matthew, Marcos Fernandes and Leteyian scored two goals a piece in the second half to give Columbia the 9-0 win. 

Zach Clem took the win in goal for the Cougars. 

The Cougars return home for a 3 p.m. match-up on Saturday, Oct. 7. Columbia squares off against Region V rival Baker (Kan.) University at 3 p.m. at Owens Soccer Stadium as a part of Family Day/Homecoming.

October 4, 2006
Volleyball Cougars climb from No. 7 to No. 6

Columbia, Mo. – The Cougar volleyball squad moved up one position in the top 25 poll, which was released today by the national office. Columbia is ranked No. 6 after holding at No. 7 for the past four weeks. The Cougars are 21-3 on the season and last week, recorded three wins over American Midwest Conference (AMC) teams.

National American (S.D.) University is in the top spot with nine first place votes and an undefeated 20-0 record. Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University is second with four first place votes and a mark of 15-0. California Baptist University is third, followed by Concordia (Calif.) University and Dickinson State (N.D.) University.

Missouri Baptist University falls to No. 9 in this week’s poll with a 18-4 record. Lindenwood (Mo.) University moved up one to No. 18.  The Lions are 17-6 on the season.

Columbia returns to the court this Friday, Oct. 6 when they travel to St. Charles, Mo. to take part in the Lindenwood University tournament.  The Cougars will face Central Methodist (Mo.) University at 3 p.m. and Culver-Stockton (Mo.) College at 7 p.m.  On Saturday, Oct. 7, Columbia will face William Jewell (Mo.) College at 9:30 a.m. Following the tournament at Lindenwood, the Cougars will return home to compete in an alumni scrimmage for Columbia’s Homecoming/Family Day, at 4 p.m.

October 3, 2006
Volleyball Cougars Dominate Hannibal-LaGrange

Hannibal, Mo.  -- The Columbia Cougar volleyball team continued to dominate in American Midwest Conference (AMC) regular season action tonight, blitzing the Trojans from Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) College by scores of 30-13, 30-20 and 30-16. With the win, Columbia, who is ranked No. 7 in the latest NAIA Top 25 Rating, improves to 21-3 overall and 7-0 in league play.

Leading the way for Columbia was Yi Zhang who tallied 17 kills and nine digs.  Rael Rotich added 12 kills and three aces. Luana Branco contributed 30 assists, 11 kills and 16 digs. 

Columbia returns to action on Friday, Oct. 6 when the squad travels to St. Charles, Mo. to take part in the Lindenwood University tournament.  The Cougars will face Central Methodist (Mo.) University at 3 p.m. and Culver-Stockton (Mo.) College at 7 p.m.  On Saturday, Oct. 7, Columbia will face William Jewell (Mo.) College at 9:30 a.m. Following the tournament at Lindenwood, the Cougars will return home to compete in an alumni scrimmage for Columbia’s Homecoming/Family Day, at 4 p.m.

 

October 3, 2006
Soccer Cougars fall to McKendree Bearcats 2-3

Lebanon, Ill. – The Columbia Cougar soccer team recorded their fifth loss of 2006 season today, falling to the Bearcats from McKendree (Ill.) College 3-2 in an American Midwest Conference (AMC) showdown.  The loss moves the Cougars to 6-5-0 overall and 1-2-0 in conference action. McKendree is 7-3-1 overall and 3-0-1 in AMC play.

The Bearcats scored all three of their goals in the first 45 minutes of action.  Columbia finally found the back of the net in the 39th minute when Ross Matthew scored off an assist by Justin Robinson.  The Cougars second goal came off an own goal by the Bearcats in the 75th minute. 

Tanner Mills and Zach Clem shared the loss in goal.  Clem posted four saves. For the match, Columbia posted nine shots to McKendree’s seven.

The Cougars are on the road for another AMC battle on Thursday, Oct. 5. The squad travels to Walnut Ridge, Ark. to take on Williams Baptist (Ark.) College. Kick-off is slated for 2 p.m.