No. 14 Ranked Frank Phillips College Wins Conference Opener

No. 14 Ranked Frank Phillips College turned in a gutsy performance in its Conference opener, winning against New Mexico Junior College in five sets to take the match 3-2. Neither team gave an inch, and the momentum swung back and forth as both sides showed why this was billed as a tough matchup. FPC came out strong in key moments, managing to close out the fourth and fifth sets under pressure.

In the opening set, Frank Phillips jumped ahead late, stringing together a run of five of the final seven points to take it 25-21. NMJC answered back in set two with an early surge—opening with a 6-0 lead—and never fully letting FPC recover. That set went to the Thunderbirds, balancing the match 1-1. The third set followed a similar pattern of tight play with FPC ultimately pulling through, setting up the pivotal fourth set.

Recognizing they were on the brink, Frank Phillips leaned on their composure and execution in the fourth set. They weathered a strong NMJC surge and held serve on critical points, allowing them to stay in the match and force a deciding fifth. In that final set, FPC faded out the louder moments, making a few of the big plays—serves, blocks, and defensive digs—that separated the two. Their ability to stay focused under pressure carried them to the win.

Overall, this was a confidence-boosting opener: Frank Phillips did what they needed to do in tight spots, kept their energy up, and made the plays when the match was on the line. It sets a good tone for their conference run.