Fresh off back-to-back three-set conference sweeps, the Barton Community College volleyball team stepped out of conference play this past weekend going 1-3 at the Pizza Hut Invitational in Sterling, Colorado.  The 4-9 Cougars will return to conference play this Wednesday as Barton hosts Pratt Community College in a 6:30 p.m. match at the Barton Gym.

Barton opened the invitational on Friday with a pair of straight set losses, the first coming in a 19-25, 10-25, and 25-27 loss to North Platte Community College followed by a 14-25, 15-25, and 15-25 loss to No. 11 ranked Salt Lake Community College.

The Cougars returned to the floor early Saturday morning and picked up a four-set victory over Trinidad State Junior College 25-19, 28-26, 18-25, and 25-17.  Barton then had to face No. 2 Western Nebraska Community College for the second time this season, and much like the first time the two teams play, Western Nebraska prevailed 25-15, 25-12, and 25-18.