Women's Volleyball - NCCAA National Champions!!

The volleyball team claimed the title of champions at the NCCAA National Championship in Kissimmee, Florida. The Trolls, who were the No. 1 seed in the tournament, defeated No. 3 Colorado Christian University (Lakewood, Colorado) in four sets (23-25, 25-18, 25-17, 25-15) in the championship match to earn their first place finish. It is the volleyball program’s first national championship title.

In the tournament the Trolls were a perfect 3-0 in pool play with three-set victories over Houghton University (NY), Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and Southern Wesleyan University (SC). Trinity made their way to the championship match with a three-set victory over McMurry University (TX)in the quarterfinals and five-set win over No. 2 Grace College (IN) in the semifinals.

“I am extremely pleased with the team and how we played throughout the tournament,” said head coach Bill Schepel. “After taking care of things in the pool play, we knew that the final day of competition would be tough. The team rose to the occasion and met the challenge.”

In the championship match the Trolls dropped the first set, but came back and in each following set progressively took control. The score was tight in the opening set until a five point run by Colorado Christian left Trinity with a 15-10 deficit. The Trolls fought back to tie the score at 21-21, but could not get the top spot.

The Trolls started strong in the second set strong and jumped to an 8-3 lead. They held off the Cougars and with a 20-18 advantage, the Trolls scored the final five points for the win.

Trinity again took an early lead in the third set and kept the lead throughout. Ahead 14-11, the Trolls rallied off five points on four kills to build a sizable gap. It was that eight-point difference that held at the end of the set.

With momentum and set count in their favor, the Trolls controlled the fourth set. Midway through the set they extended a two point lead to a 17-9 edge. Trinity kept attacking and increased the lead to 11 points. At 24-15, Danielle Oeverman registered a kill to give the Trolls the win and the championship title.

Trinity ended the match with 20 more kills than Colorado Christian. The Trolls had 65 kills and a .322 attack percentage and the Cougars had 45 kills with a .187 attack percentage. Defensively Trinity also posted 10 more digs than Colorado Christian.

In the kill category Rachel Verhage led the team with 18 kills while Courtney Samudio had 17. Verhage also had 11 digs and four blocks. Also in double digits in kills were Lauren Macadlo with 12 and Danielle Oeverman with 10. Erynn Schuh handed out 53 assists and picked up 14 digs. Karliegh Krchmery had 12 digs and Brittany Dykstra had her hand in four blocks.

Danielle Oeverman was named to the All-Tournament Team and Erynn Schuh received the honor of Most Valuable Player.

The Trolls end their season with a 38-10 overall record, which ties Trinity’s record for most season victories. Under the direction of Coach Schepel the team has made four NCCAA National Championship appearances in the past five years. They have been in the final four, runners-up, and now national champions.