MIDLAND, Texas — Region XIV conference competitors No. 20 Blinn College (2-3) and No. 19 Trinity Valley have already faced off against each other in non-conference matchups twice this season.

The Buccaneers looked to retaliate on the Lady Cardinals for a loss they dished Blinn earlier in the season, but fell 3-2 (15-25, 25-20, 25-18, 9-25, 12-15) in a hard fought match at the Midland College Invitational on Saturday afternoon. Later, Midland College swept the Buccaneers 3-0 (23-25, 15-25, 18-25).

"We had chances against Trinity Valley and just didn't make plays when we needed to," said Terry Gamble, Blinn head coach. "In the match against Midland we had no legs left because we had to play back-to-back which was four-straight hours of volleyball."

Shelby Sheets led Blinn's offense in both matches with 16 kills and four aces against Trinity Valley and 15 kills against Midland.

Roxanne Morris chipped in with eight kills, 17 assists and seven digs against Trinity Valley.

The Buccaneers kicked off the tournament with two wins and led Trinity Valley 2-1 in the third match before dropping the final two sets.

Morris led Blinn with 13 assists and Savannah Gibbs led the defense with 14 digs against Midland.

The Buccaneers will play in their home opener at the Kruse Kickoff Klassic starting Friday, Aug. 31. First Blinn will play Victoria College at 12:30 p.m. followed by Temple College at 5:30 p.m.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 38 NJCAA national championships since 1987.