Columbia, MO - The Stephens College volleyball team fell to Columbia College in straight sets Tuesday evening at Silverthorne Arena. The Stars battled against the Cougars but ultimately dropped the contest by scores of 25-15, 25-23 and 25-18.
Columbia established an early advantage in the opening set, recording 16 kills while hitting .267 to secure a 25-15 victory. Stephens recorded seven kills in the frame but struggled to find offensive consistency against the Cougars' defense.
The Stars responded with a stronger performance in the second set, keeping the score close throughout the frame. Stephens recorded 10 kills and remained competitive with two ties and two lead changes. Despite the improved offensive effort, Columbia held off the Stars to claim a narrow 25-23 victory and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
In the third set, Stephens continued to compete, recording nine kills and improving its hitting percentage to .087. The Stars remained within reach but were unable to overcome the Cougars, who closed out the match with a 25-18 win.
Michalina Oles led the Stars offensively with 10 kills on 34 attempts, finishing with a .206 hitting percentage. Jocelyn Rios followed with six kills while hitting .267, while Kayla Peckham and Anna Bradley each contributed four kills. Freshman setter Audrey Dinwiddie directed the offense with 23 assists and added 12 digs.
Defensively, Danika Brase led Stephens with a match-high 22 digs, followed by Sabrina Rodriguez with 14 and Dinwiddie with 12. At the service line, Mercedes Brito recorded two aces, while Dinwiddie, Rodriguez and Oles each added one.
Stephens finished the match with 26 kills, 25 assists, 64 digs and five service aces. The Stars' strongest offensive showing came in the second set, where they recorded 10 kills and pushed Columbia to a two-point decision.
With the loss, Stephens moves to 11-17 overall and 9-6 in American Midwest Conference play.
