by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
Wednesday was not a good day for Kansas City Kansas Community College’s nationally ranked volleyball team.
Dropped all the way to No. 9 from No. 3 in the latest NJCAA Division II national poll despite having one of the best records in the nation (11-1), the Lady Blue Devils were blanked 3-0 by No. 16 Cowley College in their home opener.
Trailing by as many as six points in the opening set, Cowley capped a big comeback by breaking a 23-23 deadlock for a 25-23 win and then used that momentum for 25-22 and 25-8 margins to close out the match.
“It was very disappointing, especially with such a big and enthusiastic crowd,” said KCKCC coach Mary Bruno. “We had our opportunities. We just have to learn when we get a lead, we must make the most of it.”
The win was the sixth in 11 matches for Cowley, which has qualified for the NJCAA national tournament the last 11 years. The 2011 national champion, the Lady Tigers have also finished second twice, third and sixth in the four seasons since the national title season.
Meanwhile, the loss dropped the Blue Devils to 2-1 in the Jayhawk Conference and 11-2 overall. KCKCC returns to action next Wednesday, entertaining Hesston at 6:30 p.m. before hosting the annual Blue Devil tournament Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23-24.