Trojan Volleyball earns win over Robert Morris
Greg Gorham
Box Score Box Score | Season Stats
DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Junior Samantha Stoller posted a match-high 16 kills, while Victoria Boyd knocked down 14, as the Trinity International Trojans came back from an early deficit to defeat the Robert Morris Eagles, 17-25, 28-26, 25-20, 28-26. Two of the four games needed extra time to be decided, as the Trojans earn a bit of payback following the loss they suffered at the hands of Robert Morris earlier this season.
After the Eagles (7-16, 4-6 CCAC) took a opening set win in fairly dominant fashion, game two was a much closer ordeal. Neither team was able to build up more than a three-point lead throughout the set, which was filled with 15 tie scores and seven lead changes. Down 19-18 in the closing points, TIU made a quick four-point run to hold the advantage late, 22-19. A pair of set points went to the Eagles, as RMU's Allyson Murray put away a pair of important kills to tie the score at 24-24. After trading serves, Boyd closed out the game with a kill, after an Eagle attack error gave the Trojans their fourth set point of the game.
The Trojans (5-15, 3-7 CCAC) were able to pick up a third-set win a little more comfortably with a strong finish. Tied 11-11, TIU put together a 9-3 run to go ahead 20-14. An RMU service error and attack error gave TIU their last two points to earn a 25-20 win and a 2-1 lead in the match.
Another close game in set four, as both teams battled to a 22-22 tie, following a brief 3-1 TIU rally. Boyd knocked down a pair of kills sandwiched around a Trojan service error, giving TIU match point at 24-23. RMU's Raven Garrett tied the score with a kill at 24-24, before the Eagles had set point of their own following a TIU ball handling error. Stoller then stepped up with a pair of kills of her own, with an Eagle kill in between to even up the score 26-26. Once Stoller and Kali Cramer teamed up for the block on the following point, a ball handling error for Robert Morris would grant the Trojans their fourth CCAC win of the year.
Five Trojans finished with double figures in digs, led by Gabrielle LaMonaca's 21 digs in the win. Julie Gregornik picked up 18 digs, followed by Allison Boggs (13), Brittany Najera, and Suzanne Knudtson (10 each).
The Trojans will head to St. Louis this weekend, to compete against three nationally-ranked teams as part of the Missouri Baptist Spartan Invite. TIU kicks off the tourney by facing No. 19 Grand View, Friday afternoon at 1 p.m.
