Lady Tiger volleyball team holds off Butler for 29th straight home win

Getting pushed to four games for the first time this season while playing at home, the No. 1-ranked Cowley College volleyball team got past a tough Butler Community College squad by a score of 25-21, 25-17, 20-25, 25-19 Wednesday inside W.S. Scott Auditorium.

With Johnson County's win over Highland on Wednesday, Cowley and Johnson are the only remaining unbeaten teams in the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division. Cowley is now 19-2 overall and 5-0 in the Jayhawk East, while Butler drops to 14-10 overall and 2-3 in conference play.

In game one, Cowley trailed 6-3 before using a 12-4 run to regain a lead they would not relinquish en route to a 25-21 victory. Leading only 17-16 in game two, the Lady Tigers scored eight of the final nine points to win 25-17.

Game three saw Butler grab control midway through the match and hold on for a 25-20 win to force a game four. Cowley ensured their would not be a fifth game by using a 10-4 run to break a 9-9 tie and come away with a 25-19 win.

A loud crowd was on hand to cheer on the Lady Tigers and help lift them to victory.

"Our crowd was phenomenal, it was one of the best crowds we have had this year," Cowley head coach Jenifer Bahner said. "The cheer squad being there also made a world of difference. It was a great conference match, we knew we would get Butler's best shot."

Freshman right side hitter Martyna Gluchowicz led Cowley with 19 kills, while sophomore Danika Maggard played one of her best matches this season and contributed 15 kills.

"Danika really did a great job of mixing up her shots and hitting around the blockers," Bahner said.

Molley Scanlon added 44 assists and 11 digs, while Emily Barto finished with a team-high 18 digs.

Cowley, which has won 29 matches in a row at home, will turn around and play at Longview (MO) Community College tonight at 6 in Lees Summit, MO. The Lady Tigers defeated Longview in four games in the team's second match of the season.

"If we go there and come out strong we should be alright," Bahner said. "With the quick turn around we will get some rest on the bus and get there in time to focus on the match."

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