No. 11 Blinn College volleyball dispatched Victoria College by way of sweep in a Region XIV tilt Thursday inside the Kruse Center in Brenham, Texas.
The 25-15, 25-13, 25-12 victory improved the Buccaneers to 33-3 overall and 12-2 in the region standings, where they trail first-place and fourth-ranked Navarro College by one game.
Blinn overcame a slow start caused by serving errors and side outs to overcome the Pirates for their fifth consecutive win and 26th sweep of the season.
“We struggled at times and played at a speed we normally don’t play at — I’d like to see us play a little faster,” Bucs head coach Terry Gamble said. “We got it going at times and it’s a win, but hopefully next week (against Navarro College) we can come out a little faster.”
(Pictured: Blinn’s Elizabeth Tyner, 11, reaches up to block a hit with teammate Brooke Pattschull during a game against Victoria on Oct. 19, 2023)
Despite its early struggles, Blinn cruised thanks to an efficient offense and a sturdy defense.
Freshman setter Elizabeth Tyner again proved to be a reliable distributor with a team-best 28 set assists, while freshman right-side hitter Kellen Dorotik and sophomore middle blocker Brooke Pattschull paced the Bucs’ attack with 14 and 10 kills, respectively. Sophomore hitters Jaedyn Newman (eight kills) and Don’Yah Cosie (six) also played a vital role in Blinn’s offense.
Freshman setter Chloe Howard had 11 assists.
“The setters are listening to our hitters and taking their feedback into how we prepare during practices,” said Tyner. “If we come out with energy and fight and focus on taking care of business, good things will continue to happen.”
Freshman libero Cierra Pesak had nine digs to lead Blinn’s floor defense. At the net, Pattschull recorded one solo block and two block assists, while sophomore middle blocker Taylor Glendening had a solo block with one assist.
(Pictured: Blinn’s Emma Whitsel, right, and Riley Cox prepare to receive a serve during a game against Victoria on Oct. 19, 2023)
Next up, the Bucs take on Navarro with a chance to move into a tie for first place in the region. The two teams meet for the second time this season at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, in Brenham. The Bulldogs won three straight sets to defeat Blinn in five games on Sept. 19 in Corsicana, Texas.
“Navarro is a high-paced, competitive team and we can’t wait to see them again,” said freshman libero Emma Whitsel. “Knowing that we can get some revenge and possibly win the conference by beating them and doing it on our home court, that’s really important to us.”
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 44 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
