Columbia, Mo. - The Stars AMC match-up tonight was cross-town rival Columbia College.  Despite a close hard-fought match, the Cougars emerged victorious 3-1. (17-25, 22-21, 25-23, 10-25). 

The Cougars served the first ball of the night and Emberlynn Kingsley immediately made the Star's presence known by blasting a first-point kill, putting the Stars on the board. The energy was persistent on the Stars bench and crowd, but it was the Cougars that took the final point in the first set with a score of 17-25. 

Set two saw the two teams trading points until Lena Hunziker forced the Cougars to take a timeout at 9-7 with a service ace. A spectacular block from Madison Threlkeld and Emberlynn Kingsley then brought the Stars into the lead at 22-21. However, it was the Cougars who found their rhythm down the stretch finishing on a roll and closing out the set 23-25. 

In the third set,  impressive play from Jaime Russell on the right side gave the Stars an early advantage at 5-3. The Cougars fought back and regained the lead, until Isabelle Benson went on a serving streak to tie the game 11-11. Makenna Bollinger executed a key block down the stretch to secure a Stars lead that would continue through the set three victory forcing a fourth set.  

In the fourth set, the Cougars gained momentum on a sluggish start from the Stars. Jamie Russell continued to fight hard offensively out and pounded another kill (assisted by Avery Hays). However, in the end, it was not enough as the Cougars dominated and took the final set 10-25. 

The Stars return to play next Wednesday, November 1st at 6 p.m. for a home match as they honor their seniors Avery Hays, Genevieve Nickelson, and Jamie Russell against Missouri Valley College. 

Statistical Leaders: 

- Jamie Russell: 12 Kills, 6 Blocks
- Emberlynn Kingsley: 7 Kills
- Lena Hunziker: 10 Kills, 1 Ace, 2 Blocks
- Avery Hays: 18 Assists, 13 Digs
- Isabelle Benson: 16 Digs, 1 Ace
- Genevieve Nickelson: 16 Digs
- Emma Whitson: 16 Assists