1/10/2026
Trine University did not just host a tri-match on Friday night. They owned it. After dropping their first match of the season to D1 Ball State, the Thunder protected their home floor in Angola by securing two big victories, moving their season record to 2-1. It was a night defined by a heart-stopping five-set escape against Lakeland University followed by a systematic demolition of Mount St. Joseph.
Surviving the Storm: Trine 3, Lakeland 2
The opening match against Lakeland was not for the faint of heart. Trine looked ready to cruise after taking the first two sets 25-19 and 25-18. The Muskies had other plans, however, as they snatched the next two sets to force a high-stakes fifth frame.
The final set was a rollercoaster of momentum. Trine exploded out of the gate with an 8-1 lead, but Lakeland responded with a staggering run to take a 9-8 advantage. With their backs against the wall, the Thunder found their composure. John Mikrut was the catalyst, leading the team with 15 kills and three aces. He stayed lethal when it mattered most, helping Trine secure a 16-14 win to avoid the reverse sweep.
Karl Both and Zach Mikrut were equally relentless, each hammering down 12 kills. The frontline defense was a wall, recording 14 blocks to stifle the Lakeland offense.
The Clean Sweep: Trine 3, Mount St. Joseph 0
If the first match was a battle of endurance, the nightcap was a clinic in efficiency. Trine showed no signs of fatigue as they dispatched Mount St. Joseph in straight sets. The Thunder offense was firing on all cylinders, posting a blistering .345 hitting percentage.
Johnson-Kuhao Ho’okano-Pelekai took over the scoring duties in game two, leading all players with 12 kills. Trine’s dominance was most evident in the closing moments of each set. After a tight battle in the first, they scored five straight points to win 25-19. In the third set, with the Lions holding a slim 15-14 lead, Trine flipped a switch. They finished the match on a ruthless 11-2 run, fueled by three kills from Ho’okano-Pelekai and a dominant defensive showing at the net.
By the Numbers:
- 22: Total blocks recorded by Trine across the two matches.
- .345: Team hitting percentage in the sweep of Mount St. Joseph.
- 3: Players with double-digit kills in the marathon win over Lakeland (John Mikrut, Zach Mikrut, and Karl Both).
Trine heads into next week with serious momentum. They will travel to Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, on January 17 to face Juniata College in another tri-match.