Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 COLUMBIA, Mo. – Trinity International volleyball opened up the 2016-17 athletic schedule, falling in matchups with Stephens (Mo.) and Central Methodist (Mo.) as part of a tri-match on Saturday afternoon.

Box Scores: Stephens (Mo.) | Central Methodist (Mo.)

The Trojans (0-2) claimed an opening set victory over the host Stephens Stars, but ultimately dropped the contest 25-21, 13-25, 23-25, 15-25. Trinity then fell in straight sets to Central Methodist, 19-25, 16-25, 13-25. Freshman hitter Ashlyn Spay led TIU with 11 kills in the first match, while junior Lexie Voss later recorded a team-high six kills against the Eagles.

Tied 7-7 in the opening set, Trinity used a 7-2 rally to move in front, including kills from four different Trojans, and capped off with an ace from freshman Kayla Jacks. After back-to-back kills from Spay gave TIU a 23-15 advantage, Stephens responded with five straight to close the gap, but two service errors gave the Trojans the final two points needed to take the opening set victory.

Stephens jumped out to take an early lead on their way to a second-set win, and led set three 22-15 before a late rally from the Trojans tied the score. Two blocks from Voss and Alida Knudtson highlighted an 8-1 run to make it an even 23-23 on the scoreboard, but the host Stars closed out the set with the final two points to claim a 2-1 lead in the match.

Despite an early lead, the Trojans were unable to string together a rally in the fourth game, as Stephens closed out the match by a 25-15 margin.

Trinity then faced off against Central Methodist, playing a close opener, falling 25-19, before dropping the next two sets to close out the day.

Freshman setter Kayla Jacks collected an even 50 assists over seven sets on the day, with 32 total helpers in the opener. Junior libero Becca Kowalczuk reached double figures with 12 digs against Stephens and 11 more against Central Methodist. Lexie Voss set a new career high, doubling her previous best with six block assists in the opening match.

The Trojans continue their current road trip next weekend, when they head to Dearborn, Mich. for four matches at the Michigan-Dearborn tourney beginning Friday, August 26.