Cowley volleyball wins at Neosho County

Overcoming a slow start to its match at Neosho County on Wednesday, the No. 4-ranked Cowley College volleyball team bounced back to defeat the Lady Panthers 30-25, 30-18, 30-18.

“After the slow start we began passing the ball really well and putting the ball down easily,” Cowley head coach Joanna Pryor said. “It was great to see them play well over there because that’s where the District Tournament will be played.”

The victory improves the Lady Tigers’ record to 23-4 overall and 7-1 in the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division. Neosho County falls to 14-13 overall and 5-3 in the Jayhawk East.

Freshman outside hitter Crystal Garman led Cowley with 16 kills, while Lilian Rezende added 14 kills, 12 digs and five blocks. Lucia Cizmarova and Victoria Green chipped in with eight kills apiece, and Courtney Shanklin finished with five kills and two blocks.

“Courtney is playing really well right now,” Pryor said.

Cowley will now prepare to play a District M match at Butler Community College at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Butler is currently 22-16 on the season.

Pryor said the Lady Grizzlies are strong at the net.

“We will have to find ways to put the ball down other than just hammering the ball,” Pryor said.