We’re Back! Cowley volleyball team takes down top-ranked Johnson County

After a challenging COVID shortened season, the Cowley College volleyball team is back with a vengeance in the 2021 season. The Lady Tigers, who were ranked just outside the top-20 in the national preseason rankings, blasted No. 1-ranked Johnson County 25-23, 25-10, 25-22.

The Cavaliers were playing their first home match since winning last season's national title. The outcome was not what they expected as Cowley came out swinging from the start.

After a back and forth first set saw Cowley win 25-23, the Lady Tigers were in complete control of set two. Leading 13-6, Cowley scored eight straight points en route to the 25-10 win.

Set three saw Cowley rally from an early 7-3 deficit. With the score tied 9-9, the Lady Tigers would use a 10-4 run to gain control of the match.

Cowley is now 5-0 overall and 1-0 in the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division, while Johnson County falls to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

"We had a game plan going in and we executed that plan to a tee," Cowley head coach Steven Gream said. "Everything we told the players to do, they did. We kept the pressure on Johnson County the entire match."

Sophomore Iva Halacheva led Cowley with 22 kills in the lopsided victory.

"Iva does things that you can not teach," Gream said. "She picked them apart."

Freshman Laci Beougher from Benton, KS, also played well and finished with nine kills for the Lady Tigers.

"Laci is getting more confidence each match and is seeing the court better," Gream said. "It is nice to see her have a big game against a high-quality opponent."

Freshman Rossana Papa from Italy was the one responsible for setting up the Cowley hitters to have big nights.

"Rossana did amazing," Gream said. "She saw the holes and got the hitters the ball at the right time."

Cowley will return to Arkansas City to host Rose State in its first home match of the season on Friday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m. The match will be the season-opener for the Raiders.

"The ladies are excited to play at home and showcase their skills following a big win," Gream said.