Top-ranked Lady Tigers improve to 31-0 with thrashing of Coffeyville

Playing its first match since moving to No. 1 in the latest NJCAA Division II volleyball poll, the Cowley College volleyball team blasted Coffeyville 25-15, 25-9, 25-10 Wednesday night in front of a large crowd inside W.S. Scott Auditorium. The victory keeps the Lady Tigers unbeaten on the season (31-0) as Cowley remains in a first place tie in the conference with Highland at 9-0.

"We really appreciate the crowd, the players love playing in that kind of environment," Cowley head coach Steven Gream said.

On Wednesday, Cowley came out a bit sluggish as they trailed 5-1 in the early going. However, after battling back to tie the opening set at 8-8, freshman Sydney Unruh used her strong serve to help Cowley score nine straight points and take control of the first set. Unruh would finish the match with four service aces.

"Coming off the weekend we had in Iowa, we had a little bit of a hangover starting the match," Gream said. "Sydney really got us going with her serve and we took off from there.

After winning the opening set 25-15, Cowley was again in a tight battle as they led 13-9 before freshman Rachele Tessari's serve helped the Lady Tigers score the final 12 points of set two. Tessari finished with seven kills, seven digs and three aces.

Cowley would score the first four points of set three before Coffeyville rallied to tie the match at 9-9. Once again, the Lady Tigers' came alive by scoring 16 of the final 17 points to win 25-10.

"After a time out by Coffeyville at 12-9, we talked to the team about finishing them," Gream said. "Our serving and defense suffocated them and allowed us to pull away."

Super sophomore Iva Halacheva led Cowley with 17 kills, while freshman Laci Beougher and Gyongyver (G) Araczki added eight kills apiece. Beougher hit .533 and Araczki hit an amazing percentage of .889.

"G is the equalizer for us. Her all-around game puts pressure on the opponent," Gream said. "Laci also really stepped up when we needed her."

Freshman setter Rossana Papa set up the Cowley hitters and finished with 35 assists and six digs.

"She is hands down the best setter I have ever coached," Gream said.

Coffeyville is now 16-17 overall and 3-6 in the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division.

Cowley will remain home to play a pair of matches on Friday. The Lady Tigers will take on Northeastern Oklahoma A&M at 4 p.m. before battling the Ottawa University JV at 8 p.m.

"We hope to continue to add to our game and continue to get better," Gream said.