The Trinity International University volleyball team brought the energy to Van Dixhorn Arena on Tuesday night as they welcomed the Redhawks of Indiana Northwest to Deerfield. TIU entered the match riding a three match winning streak, looking to continue their string of recent success.

In the opening set, the Trojans (8-5) jumped out to a massive lead before the Redhawks began to close the gap. Led on defense by Penina Sao, TIU was able to prevent Indiana Northwest (4-3) from ever taking the lead in the set as they closed out the opening frame, 25-21.

The strong play continued for the Trojans in the second as Deb Kovalczuk helped provide pressure on offense. Once again TIU opened up an early lead, scoring the first five points of the set before the Redhawks could get on the board. The Trojans offense rolled to the end of the set winning 25-16.

Indiana Northwest pushed back in the third as the two teams exchanged points back and forth. Behind the offensive output of Emilesishka De Jesus, the Redbirds stormed back late in the third, before taking the set 29-27.

As the fourth set rolled on, TIU turned the page after a tough finish to the third. Going on a 9-3 run to end the set, the Trojan offense showed its dominance as TIU closed out the fourth set, 25-14 to win the match three sets to one.

Sao led the Trojans with 13 digs on defense, while Deb Kovalczuk tallied 10 kills in the win. Additionally, Matty Hawkins notched five blocks at the net.

The Trojans will next travel to Circleville, Ohio to play in the Ohio Christian Tournament this Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21 to face Ohio Christian, Montreat College, and Shawnee State.

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.