CARTHAGE, Texas- No. 19 Blinn College volleyball was eliminated from the Region XIV Championship Tournament after Navarro College swept the Buccaneers, 3-0, on Saturday afternoon in the Arthur Johnson Gymnasium.
The Buccaneers were handed their first loss of the day by No. 9 Panola College by the score of 11-25, 17-25, and 22-25, before Navarro College swept Blinn by the score of 18-25, 20-25, and 19-25 to end Blinn’s season.
“I am very thankful for our team and the work they put in all season and off season,” said Kalie Mader, Blinn head coach. “Unfortunately, we didn’t execute the ball late in the season.”
Blinn 0 – Panola 3
The Buccaneers suffered their first loss of the tournament against Panola. Panola jumped on Blinn early to lead the match 2-0 after taking the first two sets 11-25 and 17-25, but the Buccaneers fought back in the third set. However, Panola was able to down the Buccaneers 22-25 to ensure the sweep.
Paola Marie Salas Adorno led Blinn’s offense with nine kills, while Kayla Valigura followed with seven. Adorno and Fritz led the defense with 10 digs each, and Kylee Kaaihue chipped in with 13 assists and two aces.
Blinn 0 – Navarro 3
The Buccaneers played a close match against Navarro, but the Bulldogs narrowly got by Blinn. The Bulldogs opened the match with an 18-25 victory to set an early tone before defeating Blinn 20-25 and 19-25.
Adorno led Blinn with 19 digs and eight kills, while Fritz followed with 18 digs. Samantha Boatman led the Buccaneers with 10 assists, while Boatman and Kaaihue led Blinn with two aces each.
The Buccaneers finished the season with a No. 19 ranking in the nation after posting a 24-9 record.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 36 NJCAA national championships since 1987. For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.