NMJC Sets Career-Highs in Day 2 of the Midland Classic

The NMJC volleyball team continued their strong play Saturday sweeping North Central Texas College (NCTC) and Otero College in the second day of the Midland Classic. The T-Birds have triumphed in three straight matches and sit at 3-1 on the year.

The Thunderbirds won their first match of the day against NCTC in three sets (25-17, 25-21, 25-22).

The T-Birds were led by outside hitter Maggie Machado, who had a career-high 18 digs and 10 kills. Setter Lacie Schooley chipped in with three kills, 30 assists, and eight digs. Libero Luiza Arsufi tallied 16 digs.

Outside hitter Iva Popovic added nine kills and seven digs for NMJC, while freshman outside hitter Olivia Swipiarski set a career-high in kills with six.

Match two was more of the same for the T-Birds with three separate players matching or eclipsing their career-highs. NMJC overpowered Otero's defense dominating the Rattlers in three sets (25-20, 25-21, 25-15).

Machado carried the T-Birds in match two tying a career-high in digs with 18 while adding 14 kills. Sophomore Giovana Costarelli stepped up in a big way for NMJC with a career-high eight kills against the Rattlers.

Arsufi had a career day for the Thunderbirds notching a whopping 23 digs in the libero spot. Schooley added 29 assists to cap off the 2-0 day in Midland.

NMJC's next match will be in the Odessa Tournament Friday, Aug. 26 at 12 p.m. CDT against Eastern Florida State. Match two will follow with the T-Birds taking on Temple College at 3 p.m. CDT.

The Thunderbirds will continue tournament play Saturday, Aug. 27 against Indian Hills Community College at 12 p.m. CDT. Following the matchup, NMJC will play Hill College at 3 p.m. CDT.