COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — The task was not going to be an easy one. That, the Barton volleyball team knew in advance.

Lined up in the season-opening event were a pair of teams ranked in the top four in the nation and another at No. 12. Oh, and the only team not ranked the Cougars were facing was traditional power Indian Hills.

So the task of winning a single match for the Cougars was going to be formidable one. A task that proved a little too much for the Cougars to reach.

Barton closed out the event with an 0-4 mark.

The Cougars lost both matches on Friday, falling to No. 12 Laramie County in four sets. Barton won the first set 25-23 but lost the next three, 25-11, 25-21, 25-11.

To close out Friday, Barton fell behind Indian Hills, dropping the first two sets, 25-11, 25-20. But the Cougars made things interesting by winning the third set, 25-23 before dropping the fourth and final set, 25-13.

Saturday provided a huge challenge for the Cougars, battling the No. 3 and 4 teams in the country.

The day started at Noon against 3rd ranked and tournament host Iowa Western. Barton lost in straight sets, 25-10, 25-16, 25-18.

Barton closed out the weekend with another straight set loss to the 4th ranked Cougars of Western Nebraska.

The Cougars will jumped right into the Jayhawk West play Monday night the home opener. Barton will host Dodge City at the Barton Gym with the first serve set for 6:30 p.m.