Columbia College third in volleyball tournament

The Cougars' Yi Zhang, left, Kari McWilliams, Daniela Brazolino, Luana Branca, and Juliana Quadrado cheer themselves on against National American University.   ¦  SUZY LAFFERTY/Missourian

COLUMBIA — The Columbia College volleyball team opened its season over the weekend by placing third in the Best Western Classic, but might have lost freshamn Ana Paula Da Mota Silva for an extended period of time. Da Mota Silva injured her knee during the Cougars’ game against National American University on Saturday.

Head coach Melinda Wrye-Washington speculated that the injury was to Da Mota Silva’s ACL.

“The way she landed was typical of most ACL injuries,” Wrye-Washington said.

The Cougars clinched third place by defeating Missouri Baptist University 3-0 Saturday afternoon. Senior Daniela Brazolino led the Cougars with 12 kills.

Columbia College defeated Southern Nazarene University on Friday morning 3-0, before losing to Lindenwood University 3-1 on Friday night. Saturday morning the Cougars took National American University to five games, then dropped the last game 15-4.