In a dramatic five-set showdown on their home court, the Cottey College Comets clawed their way to a 3–2 victory over Haskell Indian Nations University, showcasing resilience, depth, and late-match execution in front of a spirited crowd.
After dropping the opening set 20–25, Cottey regrouped to take the next two sets 25–18 and 25–21, leaning on a balanced attack and improved defensive coverage. Haskell responded with a strong fourth-set performance, winning 25–17 behind 11 kills and a .189 hitting percentage—their best of the match. But when the pressure mounted in the decisive fifth, Cottey surged ahead, hitting .280 and sealing the match with a 15–11 finish.
Dougherty Dominates, Rea Directs
Senior outside hitter Magdalen Dougherty led all scorers with 18 kills and 21 total points, anchoring the Comets' offense with poise and power. Her third-set performance helped swing momentum in Cottey's favor, and she remained a steady presence in the clutch fifth.
Setter Saylah Rea orchestrated the attack with 28 assists, adding 2 aces and 15 digs in a well-rounded performance. Fellow setter Braylen Ford contributed 14 assists and 10 digs, giving Cottey a dual-threat look that kept Haskell's defense guessing.
Balanced Contributions Across the Board
Cottey's offense saw additional firepower from Serafina Auberry and Elena Adams, who each tallied 11 kills. Adams added 8 digs, while Auberry chipped in 6. Libero Morgan Koch led the back row with 22 digs, and defensive specialist Katelyn Scott added 11 more.
At the net, Hannah Janson and Tatum Marang combined for 5 block assists and 3 solo blocks, helping slow Haskell's attack in key moments. The Comets finished with 52 kills, 105 digs, and 10 service aces.
Haskell's Effort Falls Just Short
Despite a strong showing from Hailey Kelsey (8 kills, .250 hitting) and Tressa Jim (7 kills), Haskell struggled to maintain offensive consistency. The team hit just .018 overall, with their best set coming in the fourth. Setter Jaspen Ellenwood dished out 17 assists and added an ace, while libero Alaina Dugi led all players with 31 digs.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Cottey continues to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The team's ability to adapt mid-match and close out tight sets bodes well for postseason play. The Comets end the regular season on the road having already locked up a bid to the American Midwest Conference Tournament.
