NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- The Columbia volleyball took on Yale on Friday night in New Haven, but came up short against the Bulldogs in three sets (25-16, 25-22, 26-24).

The Lions struggled to find their footing against the Ivy League-leading Bulldogs in the first set, as Yale coasted to a 25-16 win. 

Looking to remain undefeated in the conference, the Bulldogs kept their foot on the gas heading into set two, but Columbia would not go down without a fight. Yale took an early 5-2 lead on the second set, but the Lions fought back to tie the score at 10-10 thanks to back-to-back kills from Logan Harlock and Harper Justema. The Bulldogs re-took the lead soon after, and eventually went up 24-18. Columbia would rattle off four straight points to stay alive, capped by a block from Soah Franklin and Justema, but the Bulldogs fought off the run to earn a 25-22 win. 

Set three was one of the most exciting of the season for the Lions. It looked like Yale was going to coast to a sweep after it took a 22-15 lead. Columbia had something to say about that, however, rattling off a 6-0 run which included four consecutive blocks. all four of which Juliana Williamson had a part in. A kill from Franklin later on would tie the set at 24-24 and force extra rallies, but Yale scored the next two points to win 26-24 and put an end to the Lions' upset bid.  

Harlock led the Lions with eight kills in the match, while Justema chipped in seven. Franklin, Williamson, and Harlock each added four total blocks. Cadence Gronski just missed out on a double-double with eight assists and eight digs. Yooni Park contributed two service aces and four digs. 

The Lions will close out the 2023 tomorrow with a contest against Brown at 5:00 p.m. in Rhode Island. 

For the latest on Columbia volleyball, follow @CULionsVB on Twitter and Instagram, and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.