The Columbus Wildcat volleyball team won a five-set thriller with the Highland Huskies Thursday night in Columbus Junction. Columbus took the first set 25-11 and looked to be taking control of the match, but Highland managed to win a second frame that went very deep into extra points 35-33.

The Huskies won the third set by a slim margin 25-21 to set themselves up for a match victory, but the Wildcats rallied on their home floor to take the fourth frame 25-20, and with the game on the line, Columbus edged out Highland in a thrilling tie-breaking set 16-14.

Kennedy Woepking had 13 kills to lead the Wildcats and made it a double-double with 18 digs on defense. Fellow junior Jessica Del Rio had 10 kills, two serving aces and a blocked shot, while senior Aracely Garza added nine kills, 25 digs and an ace.

Junior Audrey Hoback came up with seven kills, three aces, 24 digs and a block, while Daniela Diaz was also an all-around force for Columbus. The junior setter handed out 36 assists but also had three kills, two aces, nine digs and two blocks.

Junior libero Jocelyn Hernandez added four aces and 25 digs to help the ‘Cats improve to 5-2 in the North division of the Southeast Iowa Super Conference and 10-14 overall.

Despite the loss, senior Adeline Krotz had a huge game for Highland with a match-high 19 kills. Freshman Ava Sexton was also terrific for the Huskies with 11 kills, three aces, eight digs and a block.

Junior Brenna Hazelett had five kills and three blocks for Highland, while senior setter Laney Skelton dished out 36 assists to go with four kills and 16 digs. The loss drops the Huskies to 17-12, including a final record of 6-2 in the Super Conference North.