ANGOLA, Ind. — The Trine volleyball team was edged out at home by Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opponent No. 6 Hope on Tuesday night, 3-0, in Hershey Hall.
The Flying Dutch took the first three sets, 25-14, 25-22 and 25-20 to win the match. The Thunder's record goes to 2-3 in MIAA play and 2-13 overall. The Dutch advance to 4-0 in MIAA play and 11-1 overall.
In the first set, Hope took the quick lead over Trine. The Thunder was able to get within three midway through the set before the Flying Dutch pulled away.
In set two, Trine took the early lead over Hope, until the Flying Dutch battled back to take the lead. The Thunder went on a seven point run to reclaim the lead midway through the set. The Flying Dutch were able to respond to Trine's lead to come back and take set two.
In the third set, it was a back and forth battle between the teams until late in the set when Hope was able to pull away.
The Thunder's offense was led Janaya Wilder (Decatur, Ind. / Bellmont) with eight kills and Shannon Scott (Vicksburg, Mich. / Vicksburg) with seven kills. Trine's defensive effort was led by Samantha Ihrie (Kendallville, Ind. / East Noble) with eight digs, Wilder with eight digs and Rhylee Beshears (Gary, Ind. / Hobart) with seven digs. Morgan Harris (Crown Point, Ind. / Merrillville) contributed to the defense with five block assists. Ihrie helped the offense with 10 assists and Raven Hood (Monroe, Mich. / Airport) with nine assists.
Katie Rietberg led the Flying Dutch's offense with 10 kills. Alexis Thompson led Hope's defense with 13 digs. Sophia Hackett contributed to Hope's offense with 29 assists. Hackett had six digs to help on defense.
The Thunder will return to action Friday, Sept. 23, for an MIAA match when it travels to face the Comets of Olivet. Action will start at 6:30 p.m.
Article courtesy Cody Konieczki, Trine University, Communications New Media '17