Triumphant trilogy

Playing with a healthy blend of energy, emotion and expertise, the Cottey Comets are rapidly developing into a formidable foe. "When this group came in, I saw the potential," said Cottey coach Marla Kannady. "Each player brought special skills that made a good fit. It was just a matter of putting it all together." The streaking Comets are indeed putting it together, completing a three-match sweep with a victory over Coffeyville Community College on Monday. Cottey, celebrating Family Weekend, defeated Allen County (Kan.) Community College on Friday and Labette County (Kan.) Community College on Saturday. "All of our parents have been here and we've been pretty pumped," said second-year middle hitter Carey Chenoweth. "We've gotten a lot closer (as a team) and we're completely taking over games." Cottey (7-6) defeated Coffeyville C.C. 30-22 and 30-23 in the first two games, then dropped the third, 28-30. But it was the fourth game that truly defines this team and the strides its made. The Red Ravens, intent on extending the match to a fifth and deciding game, held leads of 10-4, 14-7, 16-8 and 25-18. Then the Comets erupted for a 12-1 run to blow past Coffeyville and capture the match. "Before, when we got down, we would fall apart," said Kannady, "but now they've figured out that they don't have to fall apart just because they get behind. They know they can kick it in gear and find within themselves what they need to do." Teamwork has been pivotal for the Comets during the hot streak. Said Chenoweth, a tri-captain along with second-year players Emily Arzate and Liz Hutchinson, "It's been the whole team, not one particular person. Everyone has done it." That's exactly how it went last night at Hinkhouse Center Gymnasium. Arzate served the final seven points of the match game with two aces. Power-hitting freshman Jessica Puskar spiked two thunderous kill shots. Freshman Molly Haines dinked two soft kills, while Chenoweth contributed a power kill and a solo block. Blanket-like court coverage by libero Hutchinson, freshman setter Lauren Walker and first-year sophomore Sayo Tsuboi created several saves. Freshman middle hitter Teresa Parks helped set the tone early in the match with key blocks and kills. On Friday, the Comets battled back from a 0-2 game deficit to upset Allen County C.C. 30-23, 30-24 and 15-11 to ignite the current streak. Puskar had a match-high 18 kills. On Puskar, Kannady said, "She just powers the ball. She flat out annihilates that thing." The victory was Cottey's first in four years over the Red Devils, who came in with a 4-1 record in the tough Jayhawk Conference. Labette County was up next on Saturday afternoon. The Comets ran the table on the Cardinals, 30-11, 30-12 and 30-19. Freshmen Kelli Kilpatrick and Sarah Kintz led the Comets with seven and five service aces, respectively. Cottey goes on the road for a rematch with Labette County on Saturday at 2 p.m., then returns for a home match with border rival Fort Scott C.C. next Tuesday at 7 p.m.