The Columbia volleyball team (12-6, 6-2 Ivy) prepares for its match of the season as they play host to both Yale and Brown this weekend at Levien Gymnasium. This weekend arguably figures to be the most important for Columbia volleyball’s Ivy Championship hopes. Should the Lions lose to the Bulldogs, it would be extremely difficult for them to usurp both Yale and Princeton, who currently top the standings.
Columbia currently stands at 6-2 on the season while Yale and Princeton are atop the Ancient Eight with records of 7-1. There are six games left to play for each squad.
A win against the Bulldogs would signal a paradigm shift in the conference. Yale (13-5, 7-1 Ivy) is poised to run away with the conference championship after its dominating performances this season. Of their 18 matches, the Bulldogs have won nine in straight sets, including every Ivy match with the exception of the ones against Columbia and Princeton. Their loss at Princeton was their only one in conference play. However, Columbia became the only squad in the league to have won a set this season at Yale when the Lions took two sets during a 3-2 match loss back on Oct. 1.
Home court advantage will be a huge factor in today’s rematch, and will likely play a part if the Lions are to overcome the Bulldog powerhouse.
“It’s important knowing that we have people behind us that are supporting what we’re trying to do with this program,” junior middle blocker Heather Braunagel said. “Having them come out week after week solidifies the fact that we’re here for a purpose and that we’re on a mission.”
“Talented and successful teams like Yale always require you to play your best,” head coach Jon Wilson said. “The key is finding a high level of play early in the match and sustaining it. In the match at Yale we were just a little late finding that high level. They had something to do with that as they started the last match very strong.”
Following today’s match against Yale, the Lions face Brown. The Light Blue defeated the Bears on Sept. 30 in Providence, R.I. Brown (6-13, 2-6 Ivy) has had what can best be described as a disappointing season, having lost four of their last five matches. Nevertheless, the Bears are a threat, and did win one set against the Lions when the two teams last played.
“Every team in our league is dangerous,” Wilson said. The Lions can’t afford to slip up in either match if they hope to have a legitimate chance to win their first Ivy Championship in school history.
The matches are scheduled for 7 p.m. today and 5 p.m. tomorrow.
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