KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The Trine University volleyball squad made quick work of their MIAA game against Kalamazoo, sweeping their match 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-19). The Thunder continue to hold the third spot in the conference with an 8-4 record and 17-8 overall.
The Thunder built an early 17-9 lead to open the game, but the Hornets would score five straight points to pull within three. Trine would quickly rally as they scored eight of the final 11 points, including the last three points of the set.
In the second set, Trine would again start off with an early lead as Kalamazoo would again pull within four. But just as with the first set, the Thunder would put an end to the comeback and score five of the final seven points.
Just as the first two sets had gone, the third set followed suit with the Thunder jumping out to the early lead and Kalamazoo rallying to trail by just two. Trine would fight off two rallies from the Hornets, never allowing them to pull any closer than two points.
Senior Betsy Irwin (Athens, Ohio /Alexander) led all players with 10 kills, five blocks and hit an outstanding .562. Freshman Taylor Rabel (Muncie, Ind./Muncie Central) also had an outstanding match finishing with nine kills and hitting .400 on the night. Fellow freshman Lauren Verkamp (Franklin, Ind./Franklin Community) had an all-around solid performance tying a game-high with 10 digs while adding in seven kills and two aces.
Senior Sarah Radekin (Athens, Ohio /Alexander) and sophomore Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) handed out 19 and 17 assists respectively. Searles added in six kills while Radekin dropped in a game-high three aces. Junior Darcy Crabtree (Muncie, Ind./Wes-Del) matched Verkamp with a game-high 10 digs.
Trine will return home to celebrate Senior Night on October 19 when they host Olivet at 6:30 p.m.