Stephens can't slow Columbia College volleyball

COLUMBIA- The Columbia College volleyball team defeated Stephens College 25-7, 25-13, 25-4 Monday night while resting regular starter freshman Nicole Murphy.

Cougars coach Melinda Wrye-Washington said Murphy is suffering from several nagging injuries.

Replacing Murphy in the lineup was freshman Daniela Zeballos, who is experiencing her first year in the U.S. at age 18. Zeballos is from Vitoria, Brazil.

"She's progressing nicely," Wrye-Washington said. "She has the athletic ability to be really good. She's new, she needs to develop confidence and... get more experience."

Stephens College (9-12, 0-7) had trouble scoring throughout the match, especially in the final game where it scored only four points.

"It's all about serve-receive," Stars coach Abby Funderburk said. "If you can't pass, you can't win."

Funderburk said her team works on passing in practice, and will continue to try to improve on the fundamentals.

"Confidence is also important," Funderburk said. "Confidence in ourselves, and in each other."

The Cougars (19-2, 7-0) tallied their biggest individual game of the season in the 25-4 win. After a hard last week of practice, Wrye-Washington said she is having to yell at her players less and less, meaning her team is playing smart volleyball.

"Athletes win games," Wrye-Washington said. "Discipline wins championships."

Columbia College next plays at 7 p.m. Friday night against Missouri Baptist University at home.

Stephens College plays at home 7 p.m. Thursday against Central Methodist College.