Tigers’ Unruh a defensive ace

BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com

ARKANSAS CITY — It’s a scene familiar to Great Bend volleyball fans. The 5-3 defensive specialist dives fearlessly for a dig and the Cowley College Tigers magically rescue a lost point.

Defensive specialist Sydney Unruh from Great Bend has made her mark for the No. 1 ranked Division 2 Tigers (36-0), who start postseason play Wednesday against Coffeyville.  

Unruh is a defensive specialist, who plays three rotations in the back row as a replacement for Laci Beougher. She uses her quickness to save numerous points on first touch. 

“When I make a good play my teammates are my biggest cheerleaders,” Unruh said. “They will scream and jump up-and-down. This is a big reason why I love playing for my team. That what makes the game so much fun.”

Unruh’s tenacity and attention to detail was rewarded as the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2020.

“Sydney is a strong and intelligent DS/Libero with experience and exceptional ball control,” said Cowley coach Steven Gream. “She has great ability to read the ball and has confidence to take a hard shot from any hitter, She has skills that allow her to provide a quality pass to our setters on serve receive.” 

 The Panthers finished 17-16, 28-7 and 20-11 during Unruh’s three varsity seasons. 

“The biggest difference from high school volleyball to the junior college level is everything is much faster,” she said. “My reaction time has to be quicker. I’ve enjoyed Cowley very much. Being at the next level has been amazing because I know I’m getting better and closer to reaching each of our team goals.”

Cowley plays Coffeyville (18-20) at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Division 2 Plains District A Tournament. Video will be  available at cowleytigers.com/csn. 

The district finals are scheduled Saturday at Wichita’s Friends University. The District winner qualifies for the Div. 2 NJCAA Tournament Nov. 18-20 at Cedar Rapids, Iowa

“Having an undefeated record has been so rewarding, but the process of getting to where we are today has been our biggest accomplishment,” Unruh said. “My team and I have been working so hard. None of this would be possible without the dedication and focus. Everyone on this team is all in.”

Unruh said the Tigers enjoy their team chemistry.

“We clicked right away and got close fast,” she said. “Everyone gave 100% effort from day one. We knew this season was going to be fun. I was drawn to Cowley because of the girls. They’ve made me feel welcome.”

Cowley is unbeaten going to postseason for the first time since 2012. The Tigers downed Cisco (Texas) 25-20, 25-23, 25-18 and knocked off 2019 national champion Navarro College (Texas) 18-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-18 Saturday.

NJCAA DIV. 2 PLAINS DISTRICT A

WEDNESDAY SEMIFINALS—Coffeyville (18-20) at Cowley (36-0), 1 p.m.; Neosho (12-11) at Kansas City (21-10), 6:30

SATURDAY WICHiTA (Friends)—Coffeyville/Cowley winner vs. Neosho/Kansas City winner, second final

NJCAA DIV. 2 PLAINS DISTRICT B

WEDNESDAY SEMIFINALS—Allen (13-14) at Highland (27-7), 6:30 p.m.; NE Oklahoma (18-8) at Johnson County (27-6), 6 p.m.

SATURDAY WICHITA (Friends)—Allen/Highland winner vs. NE Oklahoma/Johnson winner, 1 p.m.