Columbia, MO - Stephens College made program history on Thursday night, defeating Columbia College (MO) for the first time ever in a thrilling five-set match at the Southwell Complex. The Stars earned the 25-13, 27-29, 24-26, 25-14, 15-12 victory to move to 8-7 overall and 5-1 in conference play, handing the preseason favorite Cougars their first conference loss of the season.
The Stars came out firing in the opening set, taking control early behind a strong blocking presence from Fernanda Izar and Makenna Bollinger and efficient swings from Lena Hunziker and Michalina Oles. Stephens limited Columbia to a negative hitting percentage and closed out the set 25-13 to grab the momentum. The second set turned into a marathon battle, featuring long rallies and late ties. Stephens had multiple set points, but Columbia stayed alive and eventually edged out a 29-27 win to even the match. The third set stayed tight from start to finish, with neither team leading by more than three points. Hunziker delivered several key kills and Izar came up with a big block to keep the Stars within reach, but Columbia capitalized late to take the set 26-24 and move ahead 2-1.
With the match on the line, Stephens delivered its best volleyball of the night in the fourth set. The Stars hit .375 as a team, kept Columbia's hitters in check, and pulled away late with a 6-1 run to win 25-14 and force a deciding set. Stephens carried that energy into the fifth, jumping ahead 5-1 after back-to-back blocks from Izar and Oles. Columbia fought back to tie the set at 12, but the Stars stayed composed, siding out cleanly before closing the match on a 3-0 run. Oles put down the final kill to clinch the 15-12 win and the program's first-ever victory over Columbia.
Izar finished the night with 11 kills, 12 blocks, and 17.5 points, while Oles led the offense with 15 kills and added six block assists. Hunziker tallied 13 kills and four blocks, and setter Emma Whitson dished out 44 assists while adding five service aces and 16 digs. Libero Jatnna Pena Perez posted a match-high 22 digs, helping the Stars win extended rallies throughout the night.
This historic victory highlights the growth of the program and firmly positions Stephens as a contender near the top of the conference standings as they continue on in conference play.
The Stars continue conference play this weekend, against Central Baptist College, at home, on Saturday, September 27th. First serve is scheduled for 12:00pm.
