No. 12 Trojans Roll to a Pair of Sweeps at the Onset Invitational

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The No. 12 Trojans (3-1) were back in action on day two of the Onset Invitational, taking six straight sets to earn a pair of sweeps over Indiana Northwest (0-3) and Wayland Baptist (0-4). 

Taylor began the day with a three-set sweep of Indiana Northwest, 25-10, 25-17, 25-23. The defensive effort from TU was astounding, holding the Redhawks to a -.009 attacking percentage in the match. 

TU fell behind 2-4 in the first set before a 16-2 run fueled by terrific defense gave the Trojans a comfortable lead. The defense held Indiana Northwest to two kills against nine errors on 34 attacks for a -.206 hitting percentage in the opening set.  

Set two swung in Taylor's favor during a 7-0 run, in which Gracie Conway and Grace Ieremia delivered three kills apiece, which gave TU a 15-10 lead that held up the rest of the way. 

The final set was back and forth and looked to go the Redhawks way, as they led 23-20. Conway stepped up and delivered three kills as the Trojans took the final five points to take the set 25-23 and close out the match in a sweep. 

Conway had another great attacking match, providing a team-leading 13 kills, while Sarah Scott joined her in double digits with 11 of her own. Ieremia continued to dominate the middle with eight kills on 12 swings and a team-leading three blocks. 

Indiana Northwest could not find the floor with attacks as TU piled up 70 digs, led by 28 from McKaylah Flagle, while Jen Springer and Abi Powers contributed ten and nine digs.  

Taylor continued to dominate in the nightcap, sweeping Wayland Baptist 25-21, 25-18, 25-18. 

The Trojans raced to a 14-2 advantage in the first set before holding off the Pioneers, 25-21. The final two sets saw TU take the lead in the middle of the set and hold on for a comfortable three-set sweep. 

The offense led the way, connecting for a .389 hitting percentage behind an absurd .526 clip in set two. Conway was again the most prolific outside hitter with an efficient 15 kills on 24 swings with only two errors. The sophomore currently ranks second in the Crossroads League with 57 kills and 4.38 kills per set. Jaylynn Dunsmore was a solid second option with eight kills and two blocks. 

Ieremia climbed to second in the Crossroads League in blocks with six in the match for a season total of 15, including three of the solo variety. Lindsay Springer is near the top of the CL in assists per set and total assists with 11.31 and 147, both of which rank second. 

The Trojans finished the Onset Invitational with three victories and one loss and will turn their attention to the Milligan Mountain Madness Tournament, which they begin on Friday, August 25, against RV Blue Mountain Christian (1-0) with the match scheduled to start at 5:00 pm.