BUCS OVERCOME NERVES, SWEEP PARIS IN REGION OPENER
Buccaneers overcome nerves to sweep Paris in first round of regional tournament, 3-0
Blinn led by poised freshmen Eboni Mitchell and Alexis Kingston
TYLER, Texas – There were definitely nerves to begin the NJCAA Region XIV Volleyball Tournament but Blinn College was able to overcome those nerves to advance through the first round by beating Paris Junior College 3-0 Friday afternoon at Wagstaff Gymnasium in Tyler.
The Buccaneers had moments where Paris would make runs and grab momentum but Blinn was able to grab the sweep by the score 25-19, 25-16 and 25-20.
Freshman led the way for the Buccaneers with Eboni Mitchell earning 12 kills on a .364 hitting percentage while Alexis Kingston led in hitting percentage at .385 and seven kills.
“I thought we played a little nervous and tight to start out,” said Blinn head coach Kalie Mader. “It is a high stakes match but I thought our freshman played really poised.”
Abolanle Onipede finished with eight kills and Danusia Borgeaud had seven kills and 14 digs. Jordyn Keamo had 31 assists and Dana Teets finished with 10 digs. At times, serving has caused problems for the Buccaneers but Blinn did well in that statistic against Paris with 10 aces and only three service errors.
Blinn started out fast in the opening set, grabbing a 15-7 lead. Both teams traded points down the stretch but the Buccaneers were able to hold on to the first set for a 25-19 victory.
The second set didn’t start well for Blinn as Paris jumped out to a 7-1 lead but the Buccaneers were able to recover and go on a 14-3 run for a 15-10 lead. Blinn controlled the momentum from there to take a 2-0 lead in sets with a 25-16 victory.
Blinn maintained momentum in the third set and had match point at 24-16. Paris was able to stay alive for four more points but the Buccaneers closed out the match with a 25-20 victory in the third to move on in the tournament.
Blinn will continue in the tournament Saturday, Nov. 7 against Panola College at 9 a.m. for a quarterfinal match in Tyler.
For more information, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
(Story courtesy, Jake Gordon, Blinn Information)