This Saturday, in the second Ivy League homestand of the season, Columbia Volleyball (3-13, 0-7 Ivy) lost to Penn (10-7, 4-4 Ivy) 3-0 after a tremendous second set.

The match at Levien Gymnasium was off to a rocky start when the Quakers quickly took the lead. Although the Lions tried their best to block Penn’s attacks, the Quakers still performed 13 kills during this set. Outside hitter Hailee Watts (CC ’25) was especially vital for Columbia to reach an 18-12 score, and was the reason why the Lions managed to score three points while on set point. However, Penn ultimately won this set.

The second set saw a promising start for Columbia with a 6-11 score. Communication between the Lions visibly improved, since, unlike the first set, there was always a player to receive the ball. Setter Delaney Seaman (CC ’27) was key to the advantage of the Lions during this set and onwards. However, in a surprising turn of events Penn caught up 14-14 and soon took the lead 17-14. But Columbia kept on attacking until it surpassed the Quakers 22-24. Stress and excitement at the stands was palpable as the set kept on stretching (in what was the Lion’s longest set of the conference) until, ultimately, it went to Penn for 34-32.

The last set was much shorter with great serve receives from the Quakers, which put them ahead of the Lions and eventually gave them the set (25-18) and match.

The Lions will be hosting Cornell this upcoming Saturday at 6 pm.

Header Image via Author