Expecting big things from talented squad

Led by returning All-American Fernanda Domingos and several talented newcomers, the Lady Tiger volleyball team expects to have one of its strongest squads in coach Joanna Pryor’s five years at the helm.

Cowley finished last season with a record of 21-17 overall and placed third in the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division with a record of 7-2. Both of its first-team all-conference performers from last season return in Domingos and Aubrey Sullivan, to go along with a strong recruiting class that includes six Kansas players and three out-of-staters.

“We have some good leaders back, all they think about is volleyball,” Cowley coach Joanna Pryor said. “I expect big things from them. And as far as Kansas kids go, I think this is probably one of the best recruiting classes we have had. They are big, they’re tall, and in shape. They also have the experience and a good understanding of the game.

” The three out-of-staters are expected to make an immediate impact on the squad. They are Brittney Gosdin, a 5-11 middle hitter from ThunderRidge High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo., Marina Tosi, a 5-9 setter, and Eliane Domingos, a 6-4 middle hitter. Tosi and Domingos played club volleyball in Brazil, while Gosdin played high level volleyball in Colorado.

Pryor is excited about the 2005 season.“The hardest part of my job will be trying to figure out who plays where and how often do they play,” Pryor said. “We have people that can trade in and out, so hopefully at the end of the season, we will have some energy and physical ability left.”

“We want to take it one step at a time and focus on each match individually,” Pryor said. “But we would like to win conference, focus on our district matches and go to nationals and do well.”

Johnson County and Independence will provide the Lady Tigers’ toughest competition in the conference, while Dodge City, Pratt and Hesston will provide stiff challenges in the district.