WNCC volleyball opens season with two wins

                COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa –Debora Araujo had a double-double and the Western Nebraska Community College volleyball team started the season off with a bang capturing two victories at the Iowa Western Invite in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Friday afternoon.

                In the season opener, Araujo finished with 14 digs and 14 kills to help the Cougars to a 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory over Hillsborough Community College. Araujo then pounded down 12 kills in a sweep over Missouri State-West Plains 25-17, 25-14, 25-13.

                The top-ranked Cougars will finish the tournament Saturday with matches against Iowa Lakes Community College and Jefferson College.

                In Friday’s opener, the Cougars had a balanced attack from several players. While Araujo had the double-double, Lais Soares pounded home 12 kills and also had four blocks. Scottsbluff’s Jodi Huddleston also came on strong, finishing with seven kills.

                Also for the Cougars, Alex Rivera had 15 digs, Fernanda Goncalves had seven digs, three aces and 39 set assists, and Danika Youngblood had nine digs.

                WNCC was even more impressive in the win against MSU-West Plains. Araujo led the team with 12 kills and eight digs. Freshman Megan Johnson also had a nice contest, finishing with seven kills, four blocks and two ace serves.

                Also for the Cougars, Soares had seven kills and three blocks, Rivera had 10 digs and two aces, Dani Grace had eight digs, and Goncalves had three aces and 32 set assists.

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