Volleyball Falls to SMC in Season Opener

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College women's volleyball team opened their season on Tuesday evening against new NAIA foe, Spartanburg Methodist College (SC), but fell in a 3-0 decision from newly renovated Porter Gym.

SMC won the first two sets by scores of 25-18, 25-14, and then squeaked out the victory with a 25-23 third set win over the Koalas. SMC hit .409  in the second set with 13 kills while CC tallied 22 kills for the match.

CC was led by senior OH Gracie Hicklin in kills with nine and sophomore setter Debra Shephard in assists with 16 and digs with eight. Senior Libero Jada Gentry  tallied 2 aces, five digs and an assist as well. Shephard also had a solo block, a kill and an ace.

The Koalas were then led by senior middle blockers Destiny Brown and Mikayla Stout as they combined for five blocks and five kills. Freshman outside hitter Tamia Fripp also played well tallying 3 kills.

Columbia will next go on the road to face Clinton College on Saturday afternoon at 2 pm from South Pointe HS in Rock Hill, S.C.

Pictured below are Mikayla Stout and Gracie Hickling on the block. Photos courtesy of Bob Stoner.