The 'Dawgs came out with a bang in the first match against Wharton taking the game at 25-16, 25-11, 25-19.

Navarro came out hot winning the first several points before a couple of serving errors gave the Pioneers an edge into the game. Sophomore outside hitter, Johanna Alcantara, led the way offensively for the 'Dawgs with ten kills on the match. Freshman middle blocker, Jada Close, was tied in kills at six with sophomore outside hitter, Nataly Garcia. The effort from the back line gave the offense a good shot at controlling the small points for the 'Dawgs. Sophmores, Patricia Pantoja and Shea Slusser, each led the defense with eleven digs. 

The early match was a new challenge for the Bulldogs. According to head coach Ariel Apolinario, the team "didn't score as we were accustomed to. [We] hardly had enough rhythym offensively. Collectively, we had a solid serving performance. That allowed us to win the routine plays." 

Navarro scored from the service line with twelve aces on the first match and a combined 26 aces for both matches. 

The second contest at 5 PM saw more action all around for the 'Dawgs. "We saw progress offensively. We had multiple attackers hitting for high numbers. Again, we had another good performance from the service line."

NC combined for fourteen service aces, with seven coming from freshman middle blocker, Jada Close.

The offense did score well with four attackers hitting above .500 including freshman setter Yvonne Mackenzie and sophomore attackers Nataly Garcia, Alexis Ratliff and Aleksandra Rojecka. 

"All in all, it was a solid day. It wasn't pretty or perfect by any means but we had some moments that allowed the group to add seperation and finish games. There were times when we got challenged and we remained calm and collected. It was good to see the response more than anything. We continue growing and that's the most important thing." 

The 'Dawgs are improving as they tallied up their sixth and seventh sweep in a row and have yet to drop a set this month. NC moved up in the rankings to number six in the nation. 

Navarro will be back in action on Thursday night at 6 PM CST as they take on the Tyler Junior College Apaches at home in the Wolens Special Event Center.