NMJC Splits in Day Two of the Odessa Tournament

New Mexico Junior College volleyball split two matches in day two of the Odessa Tournament. NMJC fell in match one versus Indian Hills, but bounced back in match two with a victory over Hill College.  

The Thunderbirds five-match winning streak was snapped Saturday afternoon in a three-set loss to Indian Hills (25-16, 25-19, 26-24).

Indian Hills (8-1) came into the contest ranked No. 19 in the NJCAA Volleyball DI Poll. Freshman outside hitter Gaby Arias led the T-Birds with a career-high 10 kills. Sophomore outside hitter Maggie Machado chipped in 10 kills of her own.

Libero Luiza Arsufi added 15 digs, while setter Lacie Schooley recorded 27 assists for the Thunderbirds in the loss.

The T-Birds responded in match two with a victory over the Hill College Rebels in four sets (25-15, 25-16, 23-25, 25-9).

Freshman Iva Popovic anchored the Thunderbird attack with 15 kills, while freshman Gaby Arias matched her career-high from earlier in the day with 10 kills.

Luiza Arsufi led the team in digs with 21 on the day, while Lacie Schooley added a season-high 37 assists and 13 digs.

The Thunderbirds are 6-2 on the season.

NMJC will play Tyler Junior College at the Blinn Invitational Friday, Sept. 2 at 11:00 a.m. CDT.