
BY BROOKE ALVERSON
Monday night garnered a lot of excitement for sophomore night with ten sophomores heading on to their respective universities and two freshmen graduating early this spring. Among the sophomores being celebrated were Carla Boudal, Jessica Lipkit, Aleksandra Rojecka, Shea Slusser, Madison Schultz, Nataly Garcia, Johanna Alcantara, Addison Brill, Patricia Pantoja and Alexis Ratliff. The two freshmen include Jada Close and Yvonne Mackenzie.
Most graduating players were able to contribute to Monday nights contest with outside hitter Nataly Garcia leading the way with 16 kills, 8 digs and 1 service ace. Middles Jada Close, Alexis Ratliff and opposite Alexandra Rojecka combined for a total of 17 blocks on the night, with Jada Close harboring a .428 hitting percentage.
Setters Yvonne Mackenzie had 8 assists with sophomore Addison Brill adding 5, respectively.
The defense was paced by libero Patricia Pantoja, who had 12 digs and sophomore Shea Slusser adding 7 to the mix. Johanna Alcantara led in service aces with three on the night. The 'Dawgs had a perfect night with zero reception errors.
Sophomore Maddison Schults saved a few points for the 'Dawgs with her defense, although the stats don't show it, she contributed some big momentum plays for the team.
Navarro has had a few set backs this season with some prominent players being out due to injuries, sophomore Jessica Lipkit was able to bring the 'Dawgs some success at the net before suffering a concussion in practice. Carla Boudal wins majority of the coin tosses for the team and is one of the leaders for the 2021 squad.
The atmosphere at Monday's Sophomore Night was buzzing with Navarro Cheer leading the chants; Navarro Pep Band drawing the scene for a fun environment; Navarro sports including Soccer, Softball, Basketball and Football made some noise for the 'Dawgs on the sidelines. Chick-Fil-A sandwiches were given out by the Student Government Association to the first forty fans and Taco Casa coupons were handed to each fan that came through the door.
The environment wasn't unusual for the 'Dawgs as the Wolens Special Event Center is often packed with the best fans in the NJCAA!
Catch our last home match against Coastal Bend Community College on Friday at 2PM CST.
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