No. 2 Miami Dade Opens 2025 Season with 3–1 Win Over No. 11 New Mexico Military

The No. 2–ranked Miami Dade College Sharks started its 2025 campaign on the right note, defeating No. 11 New Mexico Military Institute 3–1 (25–21, 25–20, 23–25, 25–19) in their season opener on Friday.

The Sharks came out strong, taking the first two sets behind steady offensive balance and timely serving. After dropping a close third set, Miami Dade regrouped in the fourth to secure the win and begin the year 1–0.

Setter Eleonora Gicheva directed the attack with 33 assists while adding 7 kills, 9 digs, and 3 service aces for a well-rounded performance. Luyeisy Marquez-Moreno powered the offense with 12 kills and added 5 block assists, finishing with a team-high 16.5 points. Angelica Rodriguez also tallied 12 kills and a solo block, while Juliana Laguado Raigosa chipped in 9 kills and 4 block assists. Middle blocker Eduarda Fabricio was highly efficient, hitting .364 with 6 kills and 5 block assists.

Miami Dade's serve proved effective throughout, finishing with 11 aces as a team. Defensively, the Sharks collected 58 digs and 26 block assists, controlling the net and limiting NMMI to just a .102 hitting percentage.

For the Broncos, Anniston Lustig led the way with 12 kills, while Michelle Mlikan added 11, but the Sharks' balanced attack and front-line presence proved too much down the stretch.

The Sharks continue play in Dodge City this weekend as they look to build momentum early in the season.