Taylor Hosts NAIA Match of the Week

10.29.2009

The No. 17 Taylor volleyball will host No. 7 Columbia (Mo.) in the NAIA Match of the Week Friday night at 7 p.m. in Odle Arena. The match is part of the Taylor Trojan Challenge, a nine-team event being played in Upland this weekend.

Taylor (27-4) has won its last seven matches, while Columbia (28-2) has won six straight. The Trojans' No. 17 ranking is their highest since being ranked No. 13 on Oct. 26, 2004.

The two teams are among the most successful in NAIA history. Taylor ranks first on the NAIA all-time wins list with 1,035 victories, while Columbia is third with 987. The Cougars have won three ('98, '99, '01) NAIA National Championships.

In three previous meetings between the two schools, Columbia is a perfect 3-0. The last matchup was on Sept. 27, 1996, a 3-0 victory for the Cougars. The other two matches were played in 1995.

After starting the season 0-3 against NAIA Top 20 opponents, Taylor has since beaten then-No. 15 Indiana Tech on the road in the NAIA Match of the Week on Oct. 16, followed by a win at then-No. 18 Madonna on Oct. 23.

Fans are encouraged to wear costumes as part of TUVB trick-or-treat night. Children of all ages are welcome as Taylor volleyball players will pass out candy following the match.

Prior to the evening match, Taylor will play at 3 p.m. Friday vs. Trinity Christian (Ill.). Columbia opens with Indiana Wesleyan at 3 p.m.


Live Stats | Trojan Challenge Schedule