NMJC Defeats Midland in Five, Ties for First in WJCAC

No. 16 New Mexico Junior College narrowly defeated Midland College in five sets to earn their sixth straight win (25-22, 22-25, 25-11, 18-25, 15-13).

Setter Lacie Schooley posted a double-double with a career-high 30 digs, while adding 42 assists for the T-Birds. Outside hitter Iva Popovic set a career-high in kills with 25, one shy of the school record set by Andrea Spasojevic in the fall of 2019. Popovic chipped in 17 digs on defense as well.

Outside hitter Maggie Machado registered the third double-double of the night with 27 digs and 12 kills. Middle blocker Karielys Maldonado registered eight kills in the win and libero Milena Cernjanski finished the evening with 27 digs. 

Following the win, head coach Holli Reyna said it was "an amazing feeling to be in this position."

The Thunderbirds are now in a tie with Odessa College for first place atop the WJCAC standings. The T-Birds are 7-2 in conference and 19-6 overall for the season. 

Reyna believes that her team's confidence is at an all-time high as they head into the back half of their conference schedule.

"I think in the first round of the conference, we weren't sure what exactly to expect and weren't as confident and consistent in our abilities," Reyna said. "Now coming into the second round we feel more energized, more prepared, and feel confident knowing we have to battle for every point. It's not going to be easy to win, but we will be ready."

NMJC will face Odessa College in Hobbs Saturday, Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. in a battle for first place in the WJCAC.

"Going into Saturday, I am confident in this team's ability to study their opponent (Odessa) and make the adjustments needed to be successful," Reyna said. "We want to solidify that first-place spot and we know we will have to be on top of our game on every level to win."