(TRINIDAD, Colo.) –The Lady Trojan volleyball team returned home after a disappointing weekend at the Dodge City Invitational to face a Frank Phillips team that dispatched them in three sets on the road earlier in the year. The Trojans came out fired up and jumped out to a two set lead, only to see the next three sets slip away for a heartbreaking defeat Monday night at Scott Gym.

Trinidad led on the scoreboard most of the evening. They jumped out early in set one and held on for a 25-23 first set win. The second set was even closer but the Trojans pulled it out 26-24. TSJC saw a late lead disappear in the third as they dropped that set 26-24. Trailing late in the fourth set a great serving run by Teryn Mills put the Trojans up 24-20, only to see the Plainsmen rally for another 26-24 win. A slow start in the final set doomed the Trojans to a 15-11 loss. Freshman Alicia Hall led the Trojans in both assists (24) and kills (14). Madeline Hagedorn finished with 20 digs, 10 kills and four blocks. Pricilla Sanchez had 20 assists, Mills finished with 22 digs and Detrianna Richardson and Kaitlann Brown controlled the net combining for 11 blocks.  

"This is the first match that the Trojans came out and played as a team for the whole set," commented Coach Melissa Hardman. "I am proud of the heart they showed. We just have to learn how to finish the game when we are up on a team. If we do that we will be unstoppable!"

The Trojans are 4-14 on the season and will return to the road for a pair of games in Kansas this weekend. They will be at the Midland tournament next weekend before returning to Trinidad to open the Region IX play at home against McCook Community College on October 6 at 7 p.m.