I love sports! But also what’s happening?

As an avid Columbia Women’s Volleyball (2–12, 0–5 Ivy) fan, our loss against Brown (12–3, 3–2 Ivy) last Friday was heart shattering and soul crushing on the deepest of levels. Now, I say “fan” in the sense that I love going to the games and cheering for my peers, however I have no idea how the basic game of volleyball works. Sure, I know that there are five sets in a game and the winner of each set is the first to get twenty five points, but what the hell is an attack percentage? Why does one of the girls have a different colored uniform on each team? I used to think a “dig” was something done in the dirt, but apparently they’re counted at each game? And, once again I ask, what the hell is an attack percentage?! 

All of my ignorance aside, I do love a good game at Levien (especially for the scoreboard animations—Roar-ee please hit my line) and will do anything to get entertained for free. Plus, there’s something to be said for the emotional response you feel as a part of a crowd. The closeness you feel to your neighbor, not only in cramped proximity but also internally in your heart, could start a fire in any freezing room. Seeing SMASHED on the scoreboard after your team has been losing 10-3 but gets one point for a foul… it’s truly moving. That being said, let me try to take you through this game to the best of my ability.

Set 1: 

To be honest, I arrived at the game halfway through the first set because I couldn’t figure out how to get to the floor of Levien after the balcony was closed. Sorry that sounds dumb, I am just a wee first-year. After I finally entered the gym, I was displeased to see that we were already down by several points and there were somehow an equal number of Brown fans to Columbia fans at the game. Providence is a three and a half hour drive away… I mean, that’s commitment to your team. Good for them I guess. I kept turning to my faithful, more educated in volleyball friends, the whole game to ask questions, and though I am still not an expert I can confidently say I can now read a volleyball scoreboard. That does, unfortunately, mean that I was literate enough to know that we lost the first set 25-14. 

Set 2: 

This set was definitely the most intense to watch, as the girls on the court were basically doing gymnastics in order to keep the ball in the air. They were setting and spiking like their lives depended on it, and I guess they lowkey kind of do. A special shoutout is necessary for number nine, Hailee Watts (CC ‘25). Watts went the extra mile the entire set to make sure the volleyball stayed far from the ground. I mean, I’m pretty sure I saw her get hit in the knee by the pole of the net at some point, do a somersault, and yet still play this set and the next. She was getting hit by the ball left and right, and even while being at a loss to Brown she kept the adrenaline up. My girl was going through some crazy shit, and major props to her for that. This set ended the same as the last one, 25-14 in favor of Brown, but the Columbia team definitely deserves some applause for how intense they played during this set specifically. 

Set 3: 

Set number three was a nerve wracking experience, as Columbia and Brown were neck and neck for most of the beginning half. We were only 2-3 points behind at all times, and there were even times where we took over the lead by 1-2 points as well. The starters played extremely well, putting their full energy into each play and causing Brown to lose a few points through their terrific serves and defense strategies. The players on the bench were also very supportive of their team, cheering and doing cute chants in order to distract Brown and make sure their teammates were supported during the whole set. The subs did just as well in their attempts to dethrone Brown, and President Rosenbury even stopped by to take a photo with Barnard student Cadence Gronski during a timeout. In what felt like the closest match of the game, Columbia unfortunately lost yet again 25-14. I’m unsure of how these specific numbers kept showing up, but it feels like some sort of omen. We should all keep an eye out for that. Nevertheless, the team was gracious and congratulated Brown on their win. The next home game is November 3 against Penn, a month away, yet an exciting prospect nonetheless.

Image via Bwog Staff