Both teams entered the game with 29 wins, with Owens sitting undefeated (11-0) at the top of the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference.
The game started out in Sinclair’s favor, with the Tartan Pride taking the first two sets by the scores of 26-24 and 25-22.
But Sinclair’s momentum soon faded as the Express came back to win the next two games (23-25, 20-25) with their backs against the wall.
The final set was hard-fought and was decided by the narrowest of margins with Owens taking the final set by the score of 14-16, preserving their undefeated conference record.
The win improved their overall record to 30-9, dropping Sinclair’s to 29-5.
Even though his team lost the game, Sinclair head coach K.C. Gan said he was proud of his team’s effort against the 12-time defending OCCAC champions.
“They performed their best,” Gan said during a phone interview. “They played very well [against Owens]. ”
He also said he received compliments from Owens’ coaching staff and from parents on how improved his program looks.
With their OCCAC season complete (8-4), Sinclair now looks ahead to their final home game of the season against the University of Cincinnati – Clermont on Tuesday Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.
Gan mentioned how important it was for his team to fight through the final game of the season and get to 30 wins.
“That game is very important,” Gan said. “I want to reach 30-5. I see a good chance to reach 30-5 because we beat UC 3-0 last time we played.”
Once the season is finished Sinclair will play in the National Junior College Athletic Association District E & F Tournament in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Nov. 2-4.
Gan said he expects Sinclair to be the #2 seed in that tournament.
“I think my team is mentally and physically prepared for the tournament,” Gan said. “But…if you don’t play your best, your not going to win. All the teams are very competitive.”