Down 9-3 and 10-6 in the fifth set, No. 1 Cowley County (Kan.) stormed back to capture the NJCAA Division II Volleyball Championship over No. 2 Parkland (Ill.) tonight on the campus of Owens Community College (Ohio) 25-21, 23-25, 25-16, 21-25, 16-14.

Parkland battled and held championship point, 14-13 in the deciding fifth set, but served a ball into the net. Cowley County took advantage and won the ensuing two points, setting off a wild celebration.The title gives the Tigers two of the last three national championships - all held at OCC outside Toledo. 

BJ Specht of Cowley County was named Tournament MVP, while head coach Jennifer Bahner was named the NJCAA DII Coach of the Year for the second time in three years.

With the defeat, Parkland finishes as the National Runner-up, their highest finish since winning it all in 1999. The Cobras ended with a final record of 52-3, losing only to champion Cowley and defending champions Grand Rapids.

Congratulations to Coach Hastings, his staff, and all of the team and fans on a truly amazing season, one that will be remembered for many years to come.