SEMINOLE -- The Monahans volleyball team withstood a strong showing from Lubbock Cooper and fought back the challenge to take a three-game victory and advance to the Region I-3A Tournament.

The Lady Loboes (40-3) achieved a 25-20, 25-21, 25-15 win and are now two victories from returning to the state tournament for the fifth straight year.

"Cooper came out very aggressive and hit the ball very well," Monahans coach Patty Dominguez said. "We tried to dump a couple times and they covered that area very well. We were able to take advantage of our blocking and our defensive effort. That took care of the match. Our experience showed a little bit."

Catherine Cutbirth and Jordan Latham led a balanced offense with nine kills, while Bailey Marcum added 16 digs and four blocks for the Lady Loboes. Monahans meets Gainesville on Friday in Lubbock.

Monahans def. Lubbock Cooper, 25-20, 25-21, 25-15

Monahans statistics:

Kills -- Catherine Cutbirth 9, Kaitlin Mitchell 3, Bethany Willmon 7, Bailey Marcum 4, Jordan Latham 9, Heather Schulz 2.

Blocks -- Cutbirth 3, Willmon 2, Marcum 4, Latham 3, Schulz 2.

Assists -- Mitchell 27.

Digs -- Cutbirth 8, Mitchell 1, Willmon 9, Marcum 16, Latham 6, Dina Ortiz 6. Aces -- Cutbirth 1, Mitchell 1, Marcum 1.

Next match: Monahans vs. Gainesville, Region 1-3A semifinals, 4 p.m. Friday, Rip Griffin Center, Lubbock