NMJC Trounces Clarendon, Nears First WJCAC Title

The No. 10 New Mexico Junior College volleyball team dispatched Clarendon College in straight sets Saturday morning (25-17, 25-13, 25-19). The Thunderbirds have now won nine straight matches dating back to Sept. 24.

Outside hitter Iva Popovic led the T-Birds with 13 kills and 12 digs on the night. The performance was her 15th double-double this year and her 21st consecutive match with double-digit kills dating back to Aug. 27.

Outside hitter Maggie Machado recorded 12 digs and eight kills in the morning matchup.

Middle blockers Karielys Maldonado and Olivia Swipiarski registered five kills apiece to round out the Thunderbird attack.   

Defensive specialist Luiza Arsufi chipped in 10 digs and setter Lacie Schooley added 30 assists in the three-set win.

The Thunderbirds move to 22-6 on the season and sit atop the conference standings at 10-2. NMJC is one match ahead of NMMI and Midland College with two matches left in the regular season.

The T-Birds will face Frank Phillips College on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. in Hobbs. 

The first 100 fans will receive a T-shirt in recognition for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Thunderbirds will have the opportunity Wednesday night to clinch the WJCAC title for the first time in program history.