Volleyball Drops Tough Five Set Match At Columbus State

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Despite going up 2-1 against Columbus State on Saturday, the UNC Pembroke volleyball team was defeated by the host Cougars after five sets of Peach Belt Conference volleyball inside of the Lumpkin Center.

The Cougars (12-8, 5-4 PBC) opened up the match with a first set victory, 25-23, but UNCP (9-12, 2-7) would fight back to win the second and third set, 25-15 and 25-23. Despite reaching set point in the fourth set, the Lady Braves were unable to stop Columbus State on its next three attempts, as the Cougars took the fourth frame, 26-24. In the decisive fifth set, Columbus State took the lead at 4-3 and remained on top the rest of the way, closing out the match with a 15-9 triumph.

"We started off really slow, but picked our play in sets two through four. In set five we had a break down in our defense and it ultimately cost us the match," said UNCP head coach Angie Byrd.

Today marked the first time that UNCP matched up with the Cougars on the court. Columbus State brings back its volleyball program after a 32-year hiatus.

Caroline Pridgen carried the Black and Gold offense, totaling 18 kills and hitting .378 percent, while Sabrina Gonzalez contributed to the UNCP attack by adding 12 kills. Distributing the ball to the hitters, Shekinah-Joy Toloumu collected 48 assists. Danielle Brown and Marissa Baker turned in 18 digs and 15 digs, respectfully. The Lady Braves' defensive unit came out with a strong net presence, finishing with 17 blocks, including one solo block and seven block assists from Cecilia Brandon.

Katie Poole notched a match-high 19 kills, while Erika Gelzinyte (16 kills), Megan Frame (12 kills) and Cheyenne Swenson (10 kills) also finished with double-digit hitting performances. Kierston Smith and Ivana Kazic took turns dispersing the ball, as the Columbus State setters dished out 29 assists and 25 assists, respectfully.

UNCP returns to the court on Wednesday as the Lady Braves host Elizabeth City State (7-6) at 3:30 p.m. in the English E. Jones Center in Pembroke, before traveling to Fayetteville for a 7 p.m. contest with Fayetteville State (9-5) inside of the Felton J. Capel Arena.