DEERFIELD, IL – – The Illinois Tech volleyball team (4-5, 1-0) picked up its first conference win of the season defeating Trinity International in four sets (25-23, 24-26, 25-17, 25-23).
The opening set was tight as both teams battled for control. Ultimately it was IIT’s strong hitting that led them to take game one 25-23.
Set two seem to be in favor of IIT as they went up 24-22 on a kill from sophomore Rebecca Wilson. However, TIU answered back after a missed serve from IIT with a service ace and a kill to even the series at 1-1.
Set three went to IIT 25-17 after outhitting TIU .156 to .053.
In the final set, it would be IIT again, outhitting TIU .212 to .061 en route to a 25-23 victory.
“Anytime you can win a conference match, especially on the road, it makes you feel good,” commented Head Coach Jacqui Gatt. “We have been making great progress, but we still have a long way to go.”
Sophomore Kate Kendall, one dig shy of a double-double, lead the Hawks with 12 kills and nine digs. Freshman Shea Manley recorded a career-high five aces in the victory. Sophomore libero Brittany Mead registered her seventh match in a row of double digits digs finishing with 16 for the match.
The Hawks will be back in action Sept 9-10 as they travel to Madonna University for the Julie Martin Memorial Tournament. IIT will open with Rochester College at 5:00 PM followed by Madonna at 7:00 PM. The nightcap match will feature NAIA and Madonna Athletics Hall of Famer Jerry Abraham take on Head Coach and former Madonna All-American Jacqui Gatt is a teacher vs. student showdown.