PRINCETON, N.J. -- The Columbia volleyball team left New York for the first time this season on Friday, embarking on its first road trip of the 2023 Ivy League season. The Lions kicked things off against Princeton on Friday night, and it was the Tigers that emerged victorious in straight sets (25-14, 25-18, 25-13). 

Princeton dominated the first two sets, coming out hot right out of the gate and not allowing Columbia to find its footing. The highlight of the first two sets came from the hand of Eva Atkins, who smacked four kills over the span of five rallies in the second set.

The Lions wouldn't see their first lead of the match until set three, when a service ace from Delaney Seaman and a Tiger attack error gave Columbia a 2-0 lead. That lead would remain until it was 7-5, but from that point Princeton went on a 7-0 run to take a 12-7 lead. Kills from Juliana Williamson, Avery Jones, and Harper Justema kept the Lions afloat, but ultimately the Tigers prevailed to complete the sweep. 

Atkins led the team with nine kills on the night, while Soah Franklin and Jones added four kills each. Ruby van der Heide led the Lions with 10 assists, while Seaman had a team-high seven digs. 

The Lions are back at it tomorrow evening when they take on Penn in Philadelphia. First serve is set for 5:00 p.m.

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