ANGOLA, Ind.- After being dropped the first set, the Trine University volleyball team came back to win the next three sets against the Hornets of Kalamazoo College (21-25, 25-16, 25-19, 25-17). With the win, the Thunder improved to 8-8 on the season, and 3-3 in MIAA play.
The first set looked promising for the Thunder as they jumped out to an 11-4 lead. But then the Hornets managed to battle back in the set and they brought the score back to 18-18 late in the set. Kalamazoo managed to go on a five point swing that made the score 24-19, and eventually completed the comeback for set one.
In the second set the Hornets managed to jump out to a 5-0 lead, but the Thunder fought hard to get back in the set, tying the set at 6-6 early. Late in the set, the Thunder managed to score seven straight points to down the Hornets 25-16.
The third set started off well for the Thunder as they started the set with a 9-4 lead. From there, Trine did not look back, as they never trailed. The Thunder won set three in convincing fashion, 25-19.
In the crucial fourth set both teams fought hard and it showed on the court. The swinging point of the set was Trine's 7-2 run in the middle of the set to make the score 17-12. From there, the Thunder never let the Hornets back in it, and took the final set and the match.
Sophomore Taylor Rabel (Muncie, Ind./Muncie Central) had a tremendous day, leading Trine with a game-high 20 kills and a hitting percentage of .486. Twin sisters sophomores Megan and Lauren Verkamp (Franklin, Ind./Franklin Community) both had very efficient days, tallying 12 and 11 kills respectively. Lauren notched her third double-double of the season adding 14 digs.
Trine returns to the court on Sept. 25 as Albion travels to Hershey Hall for a 6:30 p.m. match.