STERLING, Colo. — Fresh off back-to-back three-set Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference sweeps, the Barton volleyball team stepped out of conference play over the weekend, going 1-3 at the Pizza Hut Invitational.

Barton opened the invitational on Friday with a pair of losses, the first coming against host North Platte 25-19, 25-10 and 27-25. The second loss was to No. 11-ranked Salt Lake 25-14, 25-15 and 25-15.

The Lady Cougars returned to the floor on Saturday, beating Trinidad State 25-19, 28-26, 18-25 and 25-17.

Barton then faced No. 2 Western Nebraska for the second time this season, with Western Nebraska prevailing again, this time 25-15, 25-12 and 25-18.  

The Lady Cougars, who are 4-9 overall, will return to conference play on Wednesday as Barton plays host to Pratt at 6:30 p.m.