One year after qualifying for the national tournament as the region runner-up, Blinn (38-1) dispatched the Fillies for its 37th straight victory and a second straight trip to Kansas.
“They set a goal at the beginning of the season, and every day they worked hard to achieve that goal,” fourth-year Blinn head coach Terry Gamble said. “It all came together when we needed it most. That’s the biggest thing is watching these kids get better and grow, and then putting it all together at the tournament. That was really special to see.”
Region XIV’s second national qualifier will be decided through the conclusion of consolation play Sunday.
The national tournament will be played at the Hutchinson Sports Arena in Hutchinson, Kansas, beginning Thursday, Nov. 18 and ending Saturday, Nov. 20.
Gamble said that after the win over Panola on Saturday, he and his coaching staff opted not to mention nationals, instead letting the Buccaneers soak up the moment.
“We just told them we love them, we’re proud of them, enjoy it and we go to work on Monday for (nationals),” Gamble said. “We were in the moment of this win.”
Against the Fillies, sophomore Jayde Shelton led Blinn with 14 kills and added with block assists on defense. Sophomores Charde Van Zandt, Reagan Casey and Ashley Taylor added eight, seven and six kills, respectively. Taylor had seven block assists, Casey had four and Van Zandt chipped in three with one solo block.
Sophomore setter Savannah Sevek had 36 assists.
Sophomore libero Lixai Perez recorded a pair of aces from the service line, while sophomores Emily Smahstria, Kyndal Coufal and Guila Hortelan all had one.
Three Buccaneers registered double-digit digs, starting with Perez who had 12. Hortelan and Sebek posted 11 apiece.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 42 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
