ELGIN, Ill. --- The Trinity International University volleyball team took on the Judson University Eagles on Thursday night in the NCCAA North Central Region Championship match. With the winner advancing to the NCCAA National Tournament with an automatic berth, the Trojans looked to repeat their victorious performance against the Eagles from October 24 in Deerfield, where TIU pulled past Judson in five sets.

The Trojans jumped out to a fast lead, taking advantage of their quick offensive attack. With four kills by Sara Andric, and a service ace by both Kierra Koepke and Deb Kovalczuk, and a slew of errors by the Eagles, TIU notched a .200 attack percentage in the opening frame to take the first set by a score of 25-18.

TIU continued their strong offensive play early into the second set, the Eagles came alive behind Mackenzie Ebert's play. The Trojans were able to extend their lead out to near double-digits, however Judson quickly found their groove to close the gap. After tying the set at 20, then taking the lead, the Eagles didn't look back as they won the second frame 25-22.

In the third, momentum swung back in the Trojans favor as they jumped out to an early lead. Just as Judson began to mount a comeback however, TIU would ride the defensive play of Skyler Muramoto and Koepke to stave off an Eagle comeback to take the set 25-18.

After traded points back-and-forth to open up the fourth set, Judson pulled ahead with another strong rally. Holding TIU to an .111 attack percentage and forcing six Trojan errors, the Eagles forced the Trojans into their ninth five-set match of the season.

In a season where the Trojans have showed intense poise in close matches, TIU refused to fold as they battled for an NCCAA automatic bid. With the Judson offense threatening late again, the Trojan rallied to score the final points to pick up the victory for their record ninth five-set win of the season, and the NCCAA North Central Region title.

Andric ended the match with a team-high 16 kills of offense, followed by Matty Hawkins' 12. Muramoto led TIU with 43 assists, while Koepke led a trio of Trojans on defense with 20 digs, followed by Penina Sao with 16, and 12 from Muramoto.

The Trojans, who tied the program record with their 25th win of the year, now advance to the NCCAA National Tournament for the second consecutive season, and the third time since 2010. TIU was defeated in all three matches of pool play in Point Lookout a year ago and look to be highly competitive on the national stage. More information pertaining to national tournament seeding and game times will be released as they become available.

Trinity International University is a comprehensive, national university affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America and located in Bannockburn, Illinois, 25 miles north of Chicago. TIU educates men and women to engage in God's redemptive work in the world by cultivating academic excellence, Christian faithfulness and lifelong learning.