BRENHAM, Texas — The No. 19 Blinn College volleyball team (9-1) finished the Kruse Kickoff Classic with a 3-1 record after splitting the day with a win over Temple College and a loss to No. 3 Iowa Western Community College on Saturday in the Kruse Center.

The Buccaneers defeated Temple by the score of 25-12, 25-11, and 25-15 before suffering their first loss of the season against No. 3 Iowa Western Community College by the score of 25-17, 25-6, and 26-24.

"I thought we had a good weekend," said Terry Gamble, Blinn head coach. "I wish we would have played better against Iowa Western, but they played very well. Hopefully the girls understand the level we have to play at and we will work hard to get there."

Blinn 3 – Temple 0

The Buccaneers impressed on the court as they swept Temple to start the day.

Giulia Hortelan led the Buccaneers with 13 kills and three block assists. Paige Havel followed with nine kills, while Jenni Liu led Blinn with 28 assists and Essence Clerkley led with three aces. Kya Yanez led Blinn's defense with seven digs.

The Buccaneers started out the match strong, defeating Temple 25-12. In the second set, the Buccaneers held Temple down for a 25-11 victory, and earned the sweep with a 25-15 win.

Iowa Western 3 – Blinn 0

Iowa Western swept Blinn in order to give the Buccaneers their first loss of the season.

Hortelan led the Buccaneers with 10 kills, while Liu led with 28 assists. On defense, Yanez led with six digs and Clerkley with three block assists.

Iowa Western opened the match with a 25-17 win and rolled the momentum into the second set for a 25-6 win. The Buccaneers fought hard to come back in the third set, but Iowa Western was able to defeat Blinn 26-24 for the sweep.

Next, Blinn will travel to compete against Victoria College on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m.

Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 41 NJCAA national championships since 1987.