Box Score

Judson JUDSON 18-5, 11-2

Trinity International TRINITY 0-19, 0-13

Judson JUDSON

18-5, 11-2

Final

Mar. 23, 2023

Trinity International TRINITY

0-19, 0-13

Set Scores
Team	1	2	3	F
Judson JUDSON	25	25	25	(3)
Trinity International TRINITY	14	14	10	(0)

Game Recap: Men's Volleyball | 3/24/2023 3:34:00 PM | Ethan Oskroba

Trojans conclude Van Dixhorn tenure with valiant effort against Judson

BANNOCKBURN, IL — The Trojans took the court for the final time in the program's history on Thursday night, playing the last collegiate contest in the iconic Van Dixhorn Arena, and while they mounted a gritty effort against the conference thoroughbred Judson Eagles, they suffered a straight sets defeat.

Soren Halvorson was the spark plug for Trinity out of the gates, notching two quick kills, but the Eagles scored four times consecutively to anchor a 7-2 start. A block by Matthew Perry helped the Trojans stay within striking range before Trinity scored three straight midway through the set behind a Jaylen Thompson kill to trim the deficit to 14-9. Despite a scrappy Trojan resistance, the Eagles continued to swell their edge, eventually overwhelming the home squad by a 25-14 tally.

After Halvorson ignited the Trojan engine in the opening frame, it was Perry's turn to kindle the flame as set number two got going. The football star turned outside hitter uncorked a spree of three kills in the first four rallies to give Trinity a two-point edge. The Eagles struck back, but Trinity's defense remained stout, with a pair of Trojan blocks helping keep the match close. The Trojans trailed by just two when the Eagles regained traction, ambushing Trinity to establish a commanding lead. Perry capped off his second-set opus (three kills, one block) with a service ace to mount a last-second Trojan push, but the Eagles claimed the last four scores to secure the set, 25-14.

The Trojans never quite found their rhythm in what would prove to be their final set, but that didn't preclude the squad from offering a series of entertaining rallies and plenty of positive vibes. Laziah McDaniels continued his late-season surge with an early kill as the rivals split the first six points before Judson pulled ahead for good. Trinity racked up a series of highlights (Ethan Losinger and Thompson alternating assisting and killing, Mario Combs registering an ace, and Thompson and Perry adding one more kill to their outstanding campaigns), but ultimately couldn't stem the tide, falling to Judson, 25-10.

While the Trojans (0-19) were unable to conclude their season with a victory, their campaign will be remembered in a positive light for reasons that go far beyond the record book. Their squad, led by coaches Luke Ward, Kennedy Mang, and Stephen DiDimizzio, brought men's volleyball back as a varsity sport for the first time since 2015. The team, a unique amalgamation of athletes from other sports, new athletes, and longtime volleyball players, bonded in brilliant fashion, serving as a testament to the unifying power of sports. They made tremendous progress as the season wore on, showcasing their determination, adaptability, and grit at every turn despite the lack of results.

Though the Trojans may have fought their final battle within the walls of Van Dixhorn, the memories forged in that beloved venue will have an impact for years to come.