GULF SHORES, Ala. (Oct. 5) — The Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers downed No. 20 Lurleen B. Wallace CC and Reid State, sweeping both matches Friday at the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Center to improve to 22–4 on the season.
Northwest rallied in dramatic fashion against LBWCC, overcoming late deficits in the second and third sets to take a 3–0 victory (25-21, 26-24, 27-25). The Rangers then rolled past Reid State in dominant straight sets (25-12, 25-15, 25-12).
Coach Allison Burchyett lauded her team’s resilience. “We never wavered under pressure,” she said. “Against a ranked opponent, we had to fight for every point—and we did.”
Key Performances
Jania Rose paced the defense with 17 digs, while Adalyn Callahan added 12 and Hassie Clare Thurman contributed nine.
Ariana Woods led the offense versus LBWCC with nine kills, four blocks and an ace—a 12.5 point performance.
Callahan and Aven Mathis added eight kills apiece, and Daylin Johnson chipped in seven during one of her strongest outings of the year.
Northwest totaled 14 service aces in the twin matches, spreading the offensive burden across its lineup.
The defense responded with 68 total digs—key in extended rallies and momentum swings.
What It Means
The win over LBWCC marks a signature victory for Northwest, defeating a nationally ranked opponent in a high-stakes battle. The sweep of Reid State capped a statement night in which the Rangers displayed balance, depth and composure.
Aven Mathis (left) and Hassie Clare Thurman (center) track a ball against Jones College. (Marlee Wilhite/nwccrangers.com)
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
