Volleyball's Season Ends in Columbia

Volleyball's Season Ends in Columbia-Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 11/12/24. 

Pioneer Volleyball's season concluded this evening as the 7th-seed Lady Pioneers faced defeat against 2nd-seed Columbia College. The #25 Lady Cougars took the contest in three sets: 25-22 CC, 26-24 CC, and 25-13 CC. CRC finishes the season with an overall record of 9-16. 

Columbia, MO- In tonight's opening round of the American Midwest Conference Tournament, The Lady Pioneers gave a show as the true underdog in the contest with CRC leaving it all on the court, going toe-to-toe, and challenging the #25 Lady Cougars. 

In set one, CRC took two different 6-point leads with their first being 11-5, credited to sophomore Jillian Glasgow's triple-threat attack of three consecutive service aces. CRC's second gap came at the 16-10 mark, giving hope the Lady Pioneers would claim a massive opening set, but slowly, the Lady Cougars clawed their way back into range, dissolving the Pioneer lead. The Cougars took their first lead of the set at the 20-19 mark and would hold it as Columbia's grip wouldn't loosen confirming the comeback and heartbreak for CRC.

In the second set, the score stayed indistinguishable with both teams constantly exchanging point for point. In fact, set two saw nine score ties including a come-from-behind frame-extending kill from Brooklyn Cross. Yet again, painfully the Pioneers wouldn't come out on top, allowing the Cougars to take a two-set advantage.

Heading into the 3rd set, the Pioneer defense had held the Lady Cougars in check as #25 Columbia's biggest lead over CRC so far was no greater than three points. The Pioneer's resilience agonizingly depleted after two heart-wrenching losses with the higher seed finally outpacing the Lady Pioneers. In the final set, Columbia created the separation Crowley's Ridge had denied all evening, with the hosting team claiming the final set with a 7-to-nil run to survive the Lady Pioneers and advance to the AMC semifinals.

In her final game as a Pioneer, senior Paige Glenn co-led the team in kills with 8 on a .500 hitting percentage. Sophomore Brooklyn Cross matched Glenn's kills with 8 herself and added a team-high 4 blocks. Also in her farewell contest, senior Hannah Halverson led the team in digs with 14 and added 4 kills. Freshman Madelyn Burris led the team in assists with 12 and Jillian Glasgow added 3 service aces.

And just like that the 2024 Pioneer Volleyball season has come to a close. Though we may be sad, this group has accomplished much for the future of the program. Bright things lay ahead for the Lady Pioneers. Until 2025, #GOPIONEERS