Lady Tiger volleyball team defeats Heartland, headed back to the national title game

The top-seed Cowley College volleyball team will have a chance to defend its title after defeating fifth-seed Heartland Community College (IL) 25-21, 25-20, 25-18 at the NJCAA Division II Volleyball National Championships, played Friday in Cedar Rapids, IA.

The Lady Tigers (39-0), winners of 80 matches in a row, advance to face seventh-seed and conference rival Johnson County in the national championship match on Saturday at 6 p.m.

Cowley defeated the Lady Cavaliers in straight sets when the teams met on October 12 in Arkansas City. However, Johnson County (30-6) has won six in a row and is playing its best volleyball at the national tournament.

Laura Bonomi and Josci Buckley led Cowley with 14 kills apiece. Hanna Darvas added 36 assists, and Jessi Ritchhart had 11 digs.

Cowley will attempt to repeat as national champions for the first time in the program's history.