NMMI Sports Press

HUTCHINSON, KS - Thirteenth-seeded New Mexico Military Institute upset No. 4 Western Nebraska Community College in four sets in the opening round of the NJCAA DI Volleyball Championships: 18-25, 25-20, 25-20 and 25-16.

This was the first time the Lady Bronco team has won their opening round match at nationals and will result, regardless of a win or loss in the second round, in the highest final ranking in the program's history.

Assistant Coach Alonso Ibarra said, "We blocked out of our minds against WNCC. That is what gave us the momentum to finish the game strong."

NMMI finished with 23 total blocks.

Another bright spot for NMMI was the arm of Mckayla Landreth. Landreth hit .455 percent and had 11 kills on 22 attempts.

There's no rest for the eight teams left in the championship bracket, as later tonight, the quarterfinal round will begin - NMMI will take on fifth-seeded Hill College at 7:30 PM CST.

Hill College won their opening-round match in three straight sets vs. No. 12 Monroe College: 26-24, 25-17, 25-11.

NMMI and Hill College have faced each other just once this season, back on Sept. 29 in a match at the Tyler Junior College Invitational. Hill won in three sets: 25-23, 25-16, 25-20.

Ibarra said, "For us to beat Hill, we will have to serve aggressive and play fast."