The Columbia volleyball team continued its recent slide with a three-set defeat at the hands of city rival Fordham last night. The Lions fell to the Rams 30-19, 30-26, 30-22 at the Rose Hill Gym, and this is their 10th loss in a row.

Senior Natalie Gerling continued her strong final campaign for the Lions, recording a game-high 13 kills, while Cassie Ligh had a double-double. Gerling’s performance also included three aces against the Rams, but the Lions were unable to maintain momentum during the match. Columbia sophomore Ellie Thomas also recorded a match-high 14 digs.

In game one, Fordham hit .484 and dominated the Lions by 11 points, recording 17 kills against Columbia. Game two saw Columbia match up better with the Rams, but unforced errors by the Lions and strong play at the net resulted in a tough four-point loss.

Game three’s 30-22 score line is a deceiving one, as Columbia was tied with Fordham at 22 late in the frame, but an eight-point surge from the Rams downed any chance of a comeback for the Lions.

Columbia will look to put an end to its losing streak this weekend when it faces Ivy rivals Yale and Brown beginning on Friday. The weekend will have added meaning for the three Lion seniors—Gerling, Ligh, and Shannon Hunzicker—as it is their final home stand as players. The added intensity and emotion of the weekend will surely give the team a lift as it tries to record its first Ivy victory of the season before heading on the road for three final league contests.