Cougars scratched by Troopers
BY TODD M. KJELLAND
The Central McLean Lady Cougars volleyball team traveled north to Garrison on September 28, bringing with them energy and determination. The Troopers were cornered several times during the four-set match, however in the end the Cougars lost 3-1 with scores 29-31, 25-16, 21-25, and 24-26.
Down the stretch the deciding factor was passionate, elevated play by Trooper 5-foot-10 junior Karli Klein who proved to be a thorn in the Cougars return game. Late in sets three and four Klein propelled her team from behind with power shots to Central McLean’s middle court.
Game one set the tone for the night. Garrison jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead before the Cougars retaliated after gaining a side-out point. Central McLean then powered back to tie
the game at 5-5. After the score tied again at 6-6, Central McLean went on a 5-1 run to lead 11-7 before Garrison tied the score again at the 11-11 mark. Later in the set after the score tied again at 23-23 Cougar coach Whitney Jangula called a timeout to regroup. Garrison then scored the next point on a kill by Klein, however the Cougars continued to be aggressive and had opportunities to win the set at 25-24, 27-26, 29-28 but the Troopers had the ball fall their way the next three volleys to take the first set win 31-29.
