BY MIKE MONTFORT

Today's first new challenge for the Navarro volleyball team:  carefuuly, safely negotiating a path up Ranger Hill on frigid Interstate 20.

Today's second challenge?  Winning a non-conference match at 3 pm Friday against the Cisco Lady Wranglers.

"We're glad to get another opportunity to compete. The girls, the program, we all need that. This year has already been challenging, and yesterday was another example of facing adversity," head coach Ariel Apolinario said. "We're proud of the group to be able to, in less than 24 hours, to be focused and be ready for another challenge." 

Third-ranked Navarro and unbeaten, 18th-ranked Blinn postponed their Region XIV match at the last minute Thursday, and began the process of shuffling schedules and finding common playing dates. 

"We're excited to be able to play today," assistant coach Brooke Alverson added. "We were up early thinking about competing and the fact that we're able to safely travel is something we're grateful for. We're looking for opportunities today to get better."

The Bulldogs (5-2) bring a three-match winning streak to Cisco. On Monday, NC won its conference opener at Victoria with a 3-0 sweep (25-22, 25-14, 25-18). 

Cisco (1-7) has played a strong schedule in preparation for its Region V NTJCAC season.  The Lady Wranglers have lost five in a row -- including 3-2 losses to Hill and to Midland, plus setbacks to NMMI, Blinn and TVCC this season. 

After today's second challenge of extending the win streak, the Bulldogs face yet another obstacle:  carefully, safely negotiating a path down Ranger Hill on I-20 to home. 

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Friday's match will be streamed on Facebook live.