Sterling loses first pool play game to top seeded Columbia International

POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. — In the first pool play match of the NCCAA Championship, No. 8 seeded Sterling College fell to No. 1 seeded Columbia International University in straight sets, 28-26, 25-15, 25-11, at Keeter Gym on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Sterling recorded 32 kills and 47 digs in the match. Columbia International's effective offense was led by a .300 hitting percentage, securing 47 kills and 40 assists to claim the victory.

The Lady Warriors began the first set facing a strong opening surge from the Rams, quickly trailing 5-0. However, Sterling responded with a series of key plays, including a kill by Chloe Schmidt, narrowing the gap to 5-2. The team continued to chip away at the lead, with Aliya McClanahan's kill and a service ace from Taylor "Dru" Lindsey bringing the score to 9-10.

Sterling's persistence paid off as they tied the match at 20-20, thanks to a series of errors by their opponents and a kill from Kodie Herd. The teams traded points in a tense back-and-forth, with Sterling briefly taking the lead at 23-22 following another Schmidt kill. Despite a late challenge from the Rams, the set remained tightly contested, ultimately closing with the Rams edging out the Lady Warriors, 28-26.

The second set opened with Columbia International establishing early momentum, taking advantage of Sterling's errors to build a lead. Kaira Rodriguez and Schmidt made key kills to keep Sterling close, but the Rams' offensive push, led by Katelynn Mundy and Savannah Kelly, extended their advantage.

The Lady Warriors responded with a series of successful plays, including kills by McClanahan and Keala Wilson, cutting into the deficit. However, the Rams maintained control with efficient attacking, and despite a late Sterling push, the home team closed the set with a 25-15 scoreline.

Columbia International opened the third set with a strong offensive push, taking an early 6-0 lead. Sterling responded with a kill from Maddie Lundeen, but the Rams maintained their momentum with consistent play from Eevy Bellar and Mary Norwood. The Rams extended their advantage to 10-5.

The Lady Warriors attempted to shift the momentum with kills from Wilson and McClanahan, narrowing the deficit to 19-9. Despite their efforts, the Rams continued to apply pressure and eventually closed the set with a 25-11 victory.

Schmidt led Sterling with eight kills and one ace, contributing a total of nine points. McClanahan recorded nine kills on 26 attempts, adding 9.5 points to the team's effort. Wilson facilitated the offense with 20 assists and contributed three kills. Lindsey anchored the defense, posting a team-high 11 digs in the match.

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