Much like the first match in early September, the Barton Community College volleyball team had its chances but couldn't close out in a four set loss to Seward County Community College Friday afternoon in Liberal, Kansas.  Having the Saints in a two-set deficit in their first meeting, the Cougars had the opportunities Friday afternoon in Liberal, Kansas to pick up a big road conference victory but simply couldn't finish the deal. After taking the first set 25-19 the Cougars battled from behind the entire second set but came up on the short end of a 23-25 score.  In a back-and-forth third, Barton failed to convert three set points and lost a tough 30-28 decision.  Trailing most of the fourth, the Cougars erased a five point deficit to take a 21-18 lead before a controversial call swayed momentum and Seward closed out the fourth 25-23.  The loss drops Barton into a three-way tie for fourth place in the conference standings dependent of Saturday's conference results at 3-6 and 7-16 overall while Seward solidifies its third place standing at 6-2 and 15-11.

Barton will remain in Liberal to play in the Ozfest Invitational taking on Western Texas College at 5:00 p.m. with two matches on Saturday beginning with Vernon College at 11:00 a.m. followed by a 3:00 p.m. match against Frank Phillips.  The Cougars' next home match is October 9 as the Busters from Garden City Community College come to the Barton Gym for a 6:30 p.m. conference match.