(TRINIDAD, Colo.) –Region IX Volleyball got going this weekend with the three southern teams hosting the three teams from the north. The Trojans started play with McCook CC at Scott Gym on Thursday evening, followed by Northeastern on Friday and top ranked Western Nebraska on Saturday afternoon. TSJC finished the weekend 1-2 after three exciting matches.
On Thursday, the Trojans came out of the blocks fast in front of a hyped home crowd. Trinidad took the first two sets from the Indians by scores of 25-22 and 25-16 only to fall in the next two 25-17 and 25-23. The final set was a back-and-forth affair until a huge dig by Jolinalynn Achiu moved the momentum firmly into the Trojans favor. TSJC went on to win the set 17-15 and the match 3-2. Achiu led TSJC with 12 digs and five aces, Kaitlann Brown had seven blocks and Madeline Hagedorn had 18 kills in the match.
On Friday evening the Trojans started fast again taking the first set from the Plainsmen 25-23. The next two sets were all NJC as they won 25-15 and 25-13. Coach Melissa Hardman got her squad straighten out after the third set and TSJC came from behind to win the fourth set 25-22, sending the game into the fifth set for the second straight evening. In the final set the Trojans led late but couldn't finish as the Plainsmen rallied to win the 15-12. Hagedorn, Achiu, Brown and Kelsie Hurtado had nine kills each to pace the Trinidad attack.
Western Nebraska entered play on Saturday as the number one team in the latest NJCAA poll, but this didn't scare the young Trojan squad. TSJC led through much of the first set only to see the Cougars pull away late 25-20. Sets two and three went in similar fashion with Trinidad hanging close but just unable to swing the momentum in their direction long enough to pick up the win. They fell 25-16 and 25-22 to the defending Region IX champions. Hurtado had nine kills, Alicia Hall and Pricilla Sanchez combined for 20 assists, and Brown finished with three blocks.
"I am proud of the progress we have made as a team. The Trojans came out ready to go for every game. We have been on a steady uphill climb of improvement, and this weekend proves that the Lady Trojans should NOT be taken lightly. We are a talented team with many possibilities. I am proud of the progress we are making every day and every game," commented Coach Melissa Hardman.
The Trojans continue Region IX play in La Junta on Tuesday evening with a match with Otero JC. TSJC will return to Scott Gym for their final non-region contest of the season as they face Dodge City CC at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening.