TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (August 31, 2018) - Entering their second weekend of the season, the No. 15 Salt Lake Community College volleyball program knew a great opportunity was approaching.

The Bruins, hosting their annual Labor Day weekend tourney, had two nationally-ranked programs on their Friday schedule, giving them an opportunity to make noise on a national scale. Consider that goal to be accomplished, with Salt Lake sweeping No. 5 New Mexico Military Institute (25-20, 25-19, 20-25, 25-11) and No. 4 Western Nebraska (25-19, 28-26, 25-19). The victories move Salt Lake's record on the season to 7-0 and 2-0 over ranked squads.

Salt Lake will host two more matches in the "Crystal 'Inn'vitational" on Saturday, starting with an 11:00 a.m. matchup against Central Wyoming. The Bruins will also play Missouri State University-West Plains at 3:00 p.m.

Salt Lake 3, New Mexico Military Institute 1: A strong offensive attack helped Salt Lake earn a critical non-conference victory over the fifth-ranked team in the nation.

SLCC held a 57-36 advantage in kills against NMMI, holding New Mexico to a hitting percentage of just .102. In contrast, the Bruins hit .214, finishing with 52 assists and just 24 errors.

Hellen Lacava continued her march towards the top of the Salt Lake statistical sheet, leading the Bruins with 16 kills. Ariane Pola contributed 15 kills, while Ryley Daniel finished with 10 kills. Bruna Correa posted a team-high 46 assists with 12 digs.

Salt Lake 3, Western Nebraska 0: A close second-set was a small subplot that was part of a larger SLCC rout against the nation's fourth-ranked team.

Lacava and Daniel combined to lead with 11 kills, helping the Bruins out to a strong start. Salt Lake held a .180-.018 hitting percentage advantage, with Western Nebraska struggling to a -.100 hitting percentage in the first set. SLCC was helped by 37 Correa assists. 

Salt Lake had a set point in the second set, leading 24-22, before WNCC went on a 3-0 run to have a set point of its own. However, Salt Lake responded and finished with a Pola kill to earn the 28-26 set victory.