Columbia University’s volleyball team was defeated by Harvard in straight sets on Saturday night at Levien Gymnasium, with set scores of 16-25, 23-25, and 17-25. The match was part of Ivy League competition.
Senior outside hitter Eva Atkins led Columbia offensively, registering 11 kills with a .444 hitting percentage and contributing three block assists. Senior Juliana Williamson also had a strong performance in the middle, tallying seven kills on nine attempts without an error (.778) and four block assists. Setter Clara Yu recorded 22 assists and four digs, while Charlotte Gravlee added six kills with a .333 hitting percentage.
Harvard countered Columbia’s attack with 11 service aces and nine blocks. The Lions finished the match with 35 kills at a .200 hitting rate and six team blocks. Harvard’s offense was balanced, featuring five players who each notched five or more kills and achieving a team hitting percentage of .302. Sofia Rossi led Harvard with 11 kills.
In the first set, both teams were tied at 9–9 after a kill from Josie Zynczak for Columbia. However, Harvard responded by going on a 6–1 run to take control of the set and closed it out on a strong stretch.
The second set saw Columbia perform at its best offensively for the evening, hitting .345 as a team. Williamson and Atkins helped fuel a 6–1 run that gave the Lions a brief lead at 16–14. The score remained close until late service aces by Harvard secured the set for the Crimson.
In the third set, Columbia started well but Harvard used four service aces during a mid-set run to build separation. Despite fighting off three match points, Columbia ultimately fell after Ali Farquhar ended the contest with a kill for Harvard.
Columbia concludes its current five-match homestand next weekend when it hosts Yale on Friday at Levien Gymnasium, followed by Brown.
“FOLLOWING THE LIONS
For the latest on Columbia volleyball, follow @CULionsVB on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.”
