Blackhawk Technical College hosted its first collegiate athletics home game on Thursday evening, as the new Talons Women’s Volleyball Team faced off against Bryant & Stratton College.

"We are thrilled to have reached this milestone," said Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk. "Introducing collegiate sports to our campus is an exciting step forward for both our students and our community, and we’re proud of the Talons for their incredible teamwork and determination."

In February, Blackhawk became a member of the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA), competing in Region 4 at the Division II level. Over the last six months, the college has started to build its athletics program by recruiting talented student-athletes, hiring experienced coaches, and developing competitive teams. In addition to women's volleyball, the college offers men’s and women’s basketball, coed clay target shooting, men’s golf and coed bowling.

Thursday’s match, held in the college’s new Public Safety Center gymnasium, saw the Talons fall to Bryant & Stratton in three competitive sets, with scores of 15-25, 20-25, and 16-25. The gymnasium, which is shared with the Law Enforcement Academy, will also host the men’s and women’s basketball teams, set to debut in early November.

For more information on Blackhawk Athletics, including the full Talons Volleyball schedule, visit blackhawk.edu/athletics.