The Barton Community College volleyball team's unblemished conference record came to an end Thursday night in Liberal as the Cougars lost 3-1 at No. 6 Seward County Community College.
Seward County took the opening sets 25-19 and 25-18 before Barton controlled most of the third set but had to hold off a late Saints charge in prevailing 25-23. In the fourth, it was all Saints early in building an eleven point lead before holding off the Cougars' rally scoring the final four points for the 25-18 match clinching victory.
Taking their first loss in conference play, Barton drops to 3-1 and 11-3 on the year while Seward County stays unbeaten improving to 6-0 and 11-3.
Barton's next match is Saturday in a 6:00 p.m. first serve at Garden City Community College before a two-match home stand beginning Monday hosting Butler Community College and Thursday against Hutchinson Community College.
Maria Santos led the Cougars with 11 kills on a .243 attack percentage as the Cougars struggled to find consistent success at just .163 on the taller Saints in finishing well below the club's average.
Tasiah Nunnery's 17 digs led the Cougars' 88-dig defensive effort. Isabella Guedes posted her third double-double of the season recording 11 digs and 22 assists as fellow 6-2 setter recorded 16 assists and eight digs.
Mylena Testoni's six blocks led the Cougars' sixteen net rejecters with Addison Crites one behind at five.