Cottey College Volleyball took a tough road loss to conference powerhouse Columbia College, falling 3–1 at the Southwell Complex. Despite a strong opening set, the Comets couldn't maintain momentum against the Cougars' efficient attack and deep rotation.

 Fast Start, Tough Finish

Cottey came out swinging in the first set, taking a 25–22 win behind balanced offense and aggressive net play. Magdalen Dougherty led the charge with 12 kills on the night, while Ryleigh Dean posted a team-best .364 hitting percentage. The Comets held Columbia to a .036 attack percentage in the opener, forcing errors and capitalizing on transition plays.

But Columbia (18–14, 15–1 AMC) quickly regrouped, dominating the next three sets with scores of 25–13, 25–12, and 25–13. The Cougars' offense surged behind Viola Giangreco (15 kills, .344) and Kenedi Canty (13 kills, .333), while Nazarena Avila was nearly unstoppable with a .700 hitting percentage and four block assists.

 By the Numbers

• Cottey College (16–18, 7–9 AMC) hit just .068 overall, with 21 kills and 70 digs.

• Columbia posted a .220 hitting percentage with 62 kills and 84 digs.

• Dougherty led Cottey with 12 kills and 14 digs.

• Saylah Rea anchored the back row with 10 digs and 18 assists.

• Columbia's Alexa Olson dished out 35 assists, while Taylor Johnson led all players with 21 digs.