Fulton, Mississippi — The Northwest Mississippi Community College volleyball team extended its winning streak to 12 sets Saturday, opening the 2026 season with two straight sweeps at the Davis Events Center during the Itawamba Cross Over Tournament.
The Rangers defeated Bevill State Community College 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-20) and Dyersburg State Community College 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-20). Head coach Allison Burchyett praised the team’s early progress, noting the lineup versatility and team chemistry gaining momentum.
In the opener against Bevill State, NWCC raced to a 10-6 lead after a tied start. The Bears rallied to within three points at 21-18, but the Rangers responded with a late push, closing the set on a Sofia Gonzalez kill. Ariana Woods led with 10 kills, continuing her double-digit season opening streak. Dallas White and Chloe Rodriguez combined for 30 assists, and the team finished with 65 digs, led by Jania Rose with 18.
The second match against Dyersburg saw NWCC dominate early, taking a 15-5 advantage in the first set and closing it 25-12. Woods again led with 13 kills, hitting .360, and Gonzalez added seven. The Rangers used their depth in the third set, maintaining control to seal the sweep with a 25-20 final, finishing 4-0 for the season’s start.
Burchyett expressed confidence in the team’s balance and growth, emphasizing the strong communication and defense, particularly from the back row. The team will face Williams Baptist University in a scrimmage Tuesday before hosting Coahoma Community College Wednesday at Howard Coliseum. The match begins at 6 p.m., with streaming available at nwccrangers.com/watch.
