The Barton Community College Volleyball team passed its first test in defending its NJCAA Region VI crown.

The Lady Cougars downed Pratt in four games on Tuesday night at the Kirkman Activity Center 25-21, 26-28, 25-20 and 25-23.

Defeating the Beavers for the third time this season, the Lady Cougars improve to 13-18 on the season and advance to the region’s final four to be held on Saturday and Sunday at Wichita’s Newman University. 

Pratt ends its season at 9-20.

Fourth-seeded Barton will be seeking their third straight Region VI championship, beginning play at 10 a.m. on Saturday. 

The Lady Cougars most likely will play top seeded Hutchinson, but await the results of the Hutch-Cloud County Community College match to be played on today.