Owens women's volleyball had best finish in program history

Owens Express women's volleyball finished fourth among 16 teams in the national tournament. Enlarge

Although it fell short of a national title, the Owens Community College women’s volleyball team recently completed one of its most successful seasons in program history.

The finished fourth among 16 teams in the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament late last week. The Express had two victories and two loses during the three-day double elimination tournament. Tournament wins came against Kirkwood Community College and Iowa Central Community College. The Express’ tournament loses were to Cowley County Community College and Parkland College.

View: Gallery of Owens tournament

The Perrysburg Township campus of Owens was the host site for the tournament.

This was Owens’ third trip to the Division II national championship tournament and its best finish in program history at this level, besting the 2003 team’s fifth place finish.

Additionally, the Express participated in five Division III national championship tournaments and finished third in 1998, 1999 and 2000.

“I am extremely proud of our Owens Community College Express volleyball team,” said Owens Express Head Coach Sonny Lewis. “We had a great year, which is a direct reflection on this team. This is one of the best groups of student-athletes I have ever coached. Team was first and foremost on their mind whenever they set foot on the volleyball court. They have represented Owens Community College with dignity and class and should proud of their very successful season.”

Express women’s volleyball completed the 2012 season with a 37-11 overall record and captured its 12th Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) regular season championship in the last 13 years.

Coach Lewis’ squad finished 12-0 in the OCCAC regular season standings and was ranked No. 17 in the latest NJCAA Division II national volleyball regular season poll.