Koala Volleyball's Rally falls Short in Home Opener

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College volleyball team fell short in three sets in their home opener to nearby rival Clinton College on Tuesday evening from the Godbold Center.

Clinton pulled away late to win the first set 25-20 before a back and forth second set saw CC climb to within one point multiple times before going down 25-23. Clinton then ran out to a 12-2 start in the third set before Columbia rallied to get within six points at 15-21 but saw the Bears go on for the 25-16 win.

The Koalas totaled more kills than the Bears, 39-31, but unfortunately made 12 more attack errors and 8 more service errors leading to the tough defeat. Sophomore libero Katie Roberts led the team with 12 digs on the night with an ace while junior DS Dani Goings also tallied 6 digs.

Junior setter Debra Shephard led the Koalas with 36 assists on the night along with 2 kills, 4 digs, and an ace while junior outside hitter Maranda Bird had 12 kills and five digs and hit .500. Senior middle blocker Destiny Brown also played well notching 8 kills and hitting. 200 with 2 blocks. Sophomore hitter Tamia Fripp also added 10 kills as well.

The Koalas will next return to action next Tuesday when they remain home to host NAIA foe Carolina University (NC) at 6:00 pm.

Katie Roberts pictured below.