News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2008

COMETS FALL IN THREE TO LONGVIEW

The Cottey College Comets faced a formidable foe early in the season as they travelled to Lee's Summit, Missouri, to face perennial volleyball powerhouse Longview Community College. The Lady Lakers were in mid-season form as they swept the Comets in three games 18-25, 9-25, and 20-25.

The Comets knew they would have their work cut out for them. Longview has been the regional champion the last four consecutive years and competed in the national tournament the last two, finishing ninth in the nation in 2007.

"Overall, there were many times in which we had very long rallies with Longview, and even took the rally point off them sometimes," said Comets head coach Marla Kannady Foreman. "Longview is probably the strongest team we will face this year. They have done some amazing things in their program over the past several years, and Darrin McBroom has created a solid program of players."

Foreman stated that nerves may have influenced the Comets' play in the early part of the match, but then again, when you're facing one of the top-ranked teams in the nation, nerves are bound to show up as an unwelcome addition to the team. However, Foreman did note that the team seemed to find its groove in game three.

"We stepped up and really showed them what we are capable of doing against them" said Foreman. "I believe there came a point of being tired of being beat down in set two, that my players decided they had nothing to lose but to go all out in set three."

Cottey led 17-16 at one point in set three causing Longview to call a time out. Although it was close in the third set, ultimately the powerhouse won on its own home court against the underdog.

For the Comets, second-year starter Lauren Jenkins had a good night. She led the team with three aces, seven kills, and tied Ashleigh Bryson with two blocks. Bryson led the team with 15 assists, and Carmen Kintz topped the Comets with 19 digs.

The loss dropped the Comets' record to 1-1 on the season. Next up is a tri-match against Ft. Scott Community College and Labette Community College. The first match begins at 10:30 a.m. inside the friendly confines of Hinkhouse Center Gymnasium. Other matches are scheduled for 12 noon and 1:30 p.m.