Thrilling Five-Set Showdown: Columbia Volleyball Edged Out by Fordham

Columbia Volleyball Faces Tough Loss Against Fordham

The Columbia volleyball team dropped a hard-fought match against Fordham, losing 3-2 in a close contest during the Big Apple Tournament at Levien Gymnasium. Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Lions.

First-year outside hitter Elena Maynulet stood out again, scoring a team-high 16 kills. This marked her third consecutive game with at least 15 kills, showcasing her impressive start to the season. Charlotte Gravlee also had a career day, contributing five kills, two aces, and a remarkable eight blocks. Victoria Gao shone defensively with a career-high 23 digs, while both Avery Jones and Amanda Holsen added eight kills each to the team’s effort.

In set one, the Lions rallied from an 11-5 deficit. An 8-0 scoring run shifted the momentum, and after some back-and-forth action, Columbia clinched the set 25-22 thanks to kills from Jones and a Fordham error. However, the second set was a different story, with Fordham dominating 25-11.

The battle continued in the third set, with both teams tied at 9-9. Columbia surged ahead with kills from Jones, Holsen, and Maynulet, securing a 25-19 win. Fordham fought back in the fourth set, establishing an early lead and ultimately winning 25-19, forcing a decisive fifth set.

In that final set, Columbia fell behind early. Despite a timeout to regroup, Fordham held firm, finishing strong at 15-10.

The Lions now stand at 0-3 for the season but remain positive. They are set to play again on Friday at 2:00 p.m. against Stonehill in the Siena Tournament.

For more updates on Columbia volleyball, check out their social media at @CULionsVB on Twitter and Instagram or visit GoColumbiaLions.com.

Did you know that the NCAA reports a significant increase in volleyball participation at high school levels? According to a recent survey, female participation in high school volleyball has gone up by over 10% in recent years, showing just how popular the sport has become. It’s an exciting time for volleyball enthusiasts!

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