CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — November 20, 2025 — The No. 3-seeded Parkland College volleyball team fell in a five-set battle to No. 6-seeded Cowley College (22–25, 25–17, 25–20, 21–25, 9–15) in the quarterfinals of the NJCAA Division II National Championship on Thursday night.

The match brought together two of the most storied programs in the nation—Parkland, the 2021 national champion, and Cowley, the two-time defending champion—in a highly anticipated rematch after Cowley handed Parkland its last loss back in early October. Both teams traded momentum throughout the night, with every rally feeling like a battle for control of the crowd as much as the court.

Despite stretches of brilliance and composure, Parkland's offense couldn't quite overcome the surge of energy surrounding Cowley late in the match. The environment was loud and emotional, with several neutral teams joining in to cheer against Parkland — a moment that tested the Cobras' mental toughness as much as their physical play. 

Shay McMillen led Parkland with 14 kills and 15.5 points, while Natalie Alexander, Bella McKinney, and Addie Beekman each tallied 7 kills. Sammi Christman added 5 kills, and Riley Reis chipped in 5 kills and 5 block assists. Hailey Warfel and Ashlee Freeman combined for 39 assists, while Anna McEwen anchored the defense with 20 digs. Still, the Cobras showed remarkable poise, refusing to fold as Cowley pushed the match to a decisive fifth set.

The loss snapped a 13-match winning streak and moved Parkland's record to 49-5 on the season.

The Cobras will now regroup and continue their national tournament journey in the consolation bracket, beginning today at 1:00PM  against No. 5 seed Johnson County Community College as they compete for a fifth-place national finish.