COLUMBIA, Mo. — The William Woods University volleyball team opened its 2026 season Tuesday evening, falling to Columbia College, 3-0 (25-6, 25-18, 25-13).
Brooklyn Alivernia led the Owls with six kills, while Roberta Carlos de Silva and Isabella Ruther each recorded four kills. Carlos de Silva added a team-high 10 digs, while Ryleigh Sander contributed five digs and four assists.
Ashley Contreras finished with six assists, while Daniela Castro recorded six digs and two assists. Lennon Adams added two block assists, while Carlos de Silva and Lorenza Lagana each recorded one block assist.
Columbia jumped out to an early lead in the opening set and took the first frame, 25-6. The Cougars hit .591 in the set, recording 14 kills against one error.
The Owls produced their highest offensive output of the night in the second set, recording seven kills. William Woods also put together a late stretch that saw it cut Columbia's lead to 12-8 and later 16-12 before the Cougars closed out the set, 25-18.
William Woods took an early 6-5 lead in the third set following consecutive Columbia attack errors. The Cougars responded by building a 15-9 advantage before the Owls trimmed the deficit to 16-10. Columbia ultimately closed the match with a 25-13 third-set victory.
The Owls finished the match with 18 kills, two service aces, 35 digs and four block assists. Columbia recorded 33 kills, nine aces, 34 digs and six total blocks.
William Woods falls to 0-1 on the season, while Columbia improves to 5-0.
The Owls return to action Sept. 8 at 6 p.m., hosting their Heart of America Athletic Conference opener against Missouri Valley College at Anderson Arena.
