News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2008

COMETS WIN SEASON AND HOME OPENER IN VOLLEYBALL

A large crowd came to Hinkhouse Gymnasium to see the Cottey College Comets volleyball team in the home and season opener against Ozark Christian College. They were not disappointed as the Comets took a relatively easy win in four games 25-13, 18-25, 25-14 and 25-18.

The Comets had a relatively easy time in game one as they scored the first seven points of the game and cruised to victory.

"My players were excited about their first match, and were out to make some things happen in set one," said head coach Marla Kannady Foreman. "We went directly to special attacks, and were very successful in keeping the momentum during set one. Our players were ready to put things to use in a real live match, and that is what it looked like for set one."

Perhaps the first game was too easy and the Comets were overconfident, or perhaps the Lady Ambassadors from Joplin woke up after the first game, but both teams looked drastically different in game two. OCC grabbed the first two points of the game, and built a five-point lead midway through the game. After a timeout, the Comets pulled within two points, but then committed a series of errors allowing the Lady Ambassadors to pad their lead and secure the win.

"I have sometimes had trouble with players in the past, who see that they have easily won the first set, go out in the next set not as focused on their goal or big picture," said Foreman. "This is something I know I can change in this group of young athletes, because they have the determination and the competitiveness not to allow that to happen. I know they were relieved to have played one set, as I am sure the nerves were out of control for the most part, with it being the first match, and at home."

The next two games belonged to the Comets as they got most of those first-match jitters out of the way in game two. Solid play at the net and good defense in the backcourt kept the Comets in control as they tucked away the first match win of the season.

Nevada High School product Ashleigh Bryson had a great game for the Comets with three aces and 32 assists. Returning starter Lauren Jenkins had a good night at the net with 11 kills. Playing the libero position, second-year player Jesse Jargowsky led the team with 22 digs. Newcomer Kaley Rogers led the Comets with three blocks.

"I have a team of go-getters this year, and it will be exciting to watch what they can do, once they iron out all the kinks," added Foreman.

Next up for the Comets is a trip to Lee's Summit to play perennial Region XVI powerhouse Longview Community College on Wednesday, September 3. The next home match for the Comets will be a tri-match against Labette Community College and Ft. Scott Community College on Saturday, September 6. The first game will begin at 10:30 a.m. inside the friendly confines of Hinkhouse Gymnasium.