Cowley volleyball sweeps major conference awards

Ranked No. 1 and unbeaten with a record of 37-0, the Cowley College volleyball team had six players named All-Conference and swept the major conference awards.

Steven Gream was named the Coach of the Year in the conference after guiding his team to an undefeated regular season and a Plains A District Tournament title.

"I share this award with our players and assistant coach Lana Milner," Gream said. "They have worked hard each day to help us achieve this success."

Sophomore setter Rossana Papa returned from a season-ending injury a year ago to be named the Most Valuable Player in the conference. Papa has recorded an eye-popping 1,368 assists, to go along with 261 digs and 76 service aces.

"It has been amazing to watch the way she has come back from the injury," Gream said. "She has been the catalyst for the success of our team and is well deserving of being named MVP."

Freshman outside hitter Laura Bonomi, the leading freshman hitter in every offensive category, was named the Freshman of the Year in the conference. Bonomi has recorded 443 kills, 358 digs, and 58 aces.

"Laura bought into our system from day one and took off with her play," Gream said.

Joining Papa and Bonomi as First-Team all-conference selections were sophomore outside hitter Anna Kiss (489 kills, 113 digs, 78 aces), sophomore libero Sadie Kabisch (585 digs, 68 assists, 27 aces), and freshman outside hitter Sara Puskus (338 kills, 103 digs, 45 aces).

"Anna is ranked the fourth-best hitter in Cowley history, and people in the conference fear her," Gream said. "After not receiving all-conference honors as a freshman and now being named a first-team selection shows the work Sadie put in this season. And Sara came in and helped balance our attack and has done an excellent job for us."

Freshman middle hitter Valarie Luna (197 kills) earned second-team all-conference honors.

"Val had a lot to learn when she came into the program but blossomed into one of the better middle hitters in the conference and nation," Luna said.

The Lady Tigers are awaiting to see who and when they will play in its opening match of the NJCAA Division II National Championships held November 15-18 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.