By MIKE MONTFORT
Unbeaten Navarro's skyrocketed to the No. 2 ranking in the NJCAA Division I Volleyball Universe.
Within two weeks, the Bulldogs yielded three sets to their first 13 opponents. They swept 10 matches, knocked off three preseason Top 16 programs consecutively, and also spiked two regular-season Top 11 squads in their path.
All of that early work merited the Bulldogs meteoric rise through the poll – from No. 20, to No. 6, and now to No. 2 behind unbeaten reigning 2022 national champion Florida SouthWestern State. FSW's Buccaneers are 80-6 since the 2021 season and currently brandishes a 20-match win streak that spans two seasons.
Coach Ariel Apolinario's Bulldogs enjoy the early attention.
The last time the Bulldogs were ranked that high was the CO-VID delayed 2020 spring season, when Apolinario inherited the program after its unbeaten national championship. His 'Dawgs opened as the nation's preseason No. 1 and spent nine weeks in the Top 10 during a 17-4 start.
Navarro, now leading Region XIV with a 3-0 conference record, travels Thursday to Tyler to face the Apache Ladies in a 6 pm match at Floyd Wagstaff Gym.
They will try for their third invitational sweep of the season when they begin competition Friday in the two-day Weatherford Invitational.
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NJCAA D-I VOLLEYBALL RANKINGS
As of September 5, 2023
1 Florida SouthWestern State…...8-0
2 Navarro…………………………………12-0
3 Miami Dade……………………………7-1
4 New Mexico JC………………………11-1
5 Odessa…………………………………..11-1
6 Northeastern JC……………………..12-2
7 Eastern Florida State………………..7-0
8 Trinity Valley……………………………12-3
9 Salt Lake…………………………….……..7-5
10 NMMI…………………………….……….9-3
11 Weatherford………………………….10-2
12 Blinn………………………………………14-1
13 Eastern Arizona………………………10-5
14 Uath State Eastern……………………8-5
15 Monroe College………………………..7-4
16 College og Southern Idaho………..7-5
17 Daytona State…………………………..7-4
18 Arizona Western………………………10-2
19 Laramie County, Wy………………….12-2
20 Barton CC, Ks……………………………11-2
RECEIVING VOTES
Mineral Area
Casper
Jefferson
Western Nebraska
