Columbia Sweeps Hannibal-LaGrange in Three Sets
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Columbia College defeated Hannibal-LaGrange University in straight sets Tuesday afternoon, earning a 25-15, 25-16, 25-23 victory. Columbia entered the match with a 14-6 overall record and a 5-0 conference record, while Hannibal-LaGrange entered at 5-11 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
Columbia found itself trailing early in the opening set as the Trojans jumped out to a 4-1 lead. The Cougars quickly responded, tying the set at 7-7 before taking control.
A service ace from Addison Burroughs helped Columbia extend its advantage to 12-9, and the Cougars continued to pull away. Columbia scored eight of the final 11 points to close out the opening set, 25-15.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Columbia jumping out to a 5-1 lead before extending the advantage to 11-4. Hannibal-LaGrange attempted to fight back behind kills from Summer Zelei and Brooke Rocca, but Columbia maintained control throughout the set.
The Cougars reached set point at 24-16 before closing out the frame on an attack error by Jade Clay, taking the second set 25-16.
Hannibal-LaGrange came out stronger in the third set and held the lead for much of the early portion. The Trojans built a 12-8 advantage with Jena Jobb serving and kills from Brooke Rocca and Emily Toeniskoetter.
Columbia gradually chipped away at the deficit, eventually tying the set at 19-19 before taking a 22-20 lead. The Trojans responded with three consecutive points to regain a 23-22 advantage, but Columbia answered with three straight points of its own.
Rowan Carr delivered a service ace at 24-23, and Columbia closed out the third set 25-23 to complete the sweep.
Columbia finished the match with 41 kills, four service aces and 58 digs. Carr led the Cougars with seven kills and 10 digs, while Isabella Kincaid recorded six kills and 12 digs. Viola Giangreco also recorded seven kills while hitting .400.
Alexa Olson contributed 20 assists, while Taylor Johnson led the Cougars with 15 digs.
Hannibal-LaGrange was led offensively by Summer Zelei, who recorded 10 kills, followed by Brooke Rocca with eight. Delaney Eggemeyer finished with 22 assists, while Jena Jobb led the Trojans with 14 digs.
Columbia's consistent offensive production and strong play late in the third set allowed the Cougars to complete the sweep, while Hannibal-LaGrange's strongest push came in the final set before Columbia closed out the match.
