ELGIN, Ill. --- A trip to the National Christian College Athletic Association's (NCCAA) national tournament was on the line on Saturday afternoon as the Trojans took on the Judson Eagles in the NCCAA's North-Central Region Championship. Having defeated the Eagles once during the regular season, TIU looked to make it two in a row and earn the region's automatic berth to the big dance.

Trinity would struggle to replicate their offensive success they posted just one night earlier against Hannibal-LaGrange as Judson's Emmaline Davey led the Eagle offense against the Trojans. After dropping the first set 25-20, TIU would challenge Judson in the second and third frames, but couldn't match the Eagle's firepower.

The Trojans would play their best set in the second with a .179 attack percentage, but would see that offensive success drop off into the third with a .041 percentage in the final frame. Despite a stellar afternoon blocking up front, Trinity would be unable to keep up with Judson's momentum, dropping the match in straight sets.

Matty Hawkins led TIU with nine kills, plus a pair of blocks in the loss, while Anna Skrzypchak recorded 23 assists. Lana Vujosevic notched 15 digs on defense for Trinity, and Madison Williams led TIU's efforts at the net with four total blocks. Madeline Trippett, Emma Gallegos, and Brianna Torres would combined for all three of TIU's service aces.

ADDITIONAL GAME NOTES

• Trinity falls to 10-14 all-time against Judson following Saturday's loss. The Trojans are also now 1-1 against the Eagles in postseason play.

• Head coach Luke Ward falls to 6-9 all-time in postseason matches, and 2-1 in NCCAA Regional Tournament play.

• Judson posted eight service aces to TIU's three in their win on Saturday.

• TIU narrowly out-blocked the Eagles 8-7 in their loss.

• Senior defensive specialist Jaylyn Freeman picked up her 900th dig as a Trojan during Saturday's loss.

• Setter Anna Skrzypchak recorded her 1,800th career assist against Judson, becoming the fifth player in school history to reach that milestone.

• Junior Emma Gallegos notched her 300th career dig after posting ten against the Eagles.

• Senior Brianna Torres became the second player in program history to reach 150 career service aces, joining Krista Powalisz with 150.

UP NEXT

Despite the loss, the Trojans (20-15) earn an at-large berth to the NCCAA Tournament, marking their seventh national tournament bid in school history. The tournament will be held December 2-4 in Point Lookout, Missouri on the campus of the College of the Ozarks. Group play match times and dates will be announced at a later time.
 

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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.