Palos Heights, Ill. - It was a busy week for Trinity Christian College men's volleyball (4-3, 0-0 CCAC). it was seven matches in five days and four matches in two day for the NCCAA Invitational hosted by the Trolls at DeVos and Mitchell Gymnasiums. The Trolls rolled through their first three opponents before ultimately falling in Saturday's championship match with #13 Ottawa University of Arizona (4-0). The Trolls fell in three sets as the Spirit took home the title for the second time in school history.

Sophomore Alex Costa and senior Jake Ostema were named to the all-tournament team. Ottawa's Colin Donisthorpe took home the tournament's most Outstanding player award. 

MATCH 1  vs Geneva College - W, 25-7, 25-18, 25-21

The Trolls bursted out of the gates of the NCCAA Invite with a dominant three-set sweep of Geneva College. Costa came up with 13 kills to start his march toward the all-tournament team. Sophomore's Ryan Schmidt and Nick Mioni combined for 31 assists to aid the offensive onslaught. Ostema slowed down the Geneva attack with a season-high six blocks. He also chipped in nine kills on a .533 attack percentage (9-1-15). 

MATCH 2  vs Maranatha Baptist - W, 25-13, 25-12, 25-14

In front of a lively crowd at DeVos Gymnasium, the first Friday night home match of the 2022 campaign was a success. Costa reached double-digits with 11 more kills and a career-high nine service aces. His previous high came back on Feb. 13, 2021 when he posted five. Costa punished Maranatha with his offense while the Trolls newest outside hitter, sophomore Adam Becker tallied seven kills. Sophomore middle blocker Mike Hay also had six kills.

"I missed being back at home," Hay said postgame. "It was nice." 

MATCH 3 vs Central Central Christian - W, 25-11, 25-10, 25-11

Playing a scrappy first-year program in Central Christian College of Kansas, the Trolls bludgeoned their first opponent of the day. Central Christian couldn't get much past the Trolls defense. The Tigers finished with a team attack percentage of -.098. Costa contributed 13 more kills and Mioni led the Trolls with six digs on the defensive side of the ball. 

MATCH 4 vs #13 Ottawa University of Arizona - W, 25-16, 25-19, 25-14

Playing a team with a variety of options to go to, the Spirit proved too much to handle. Costa led the Trinity attack with nine kills, but the Ottawa front limited Costa to an attack percentage of .045 (9-8-22). Becker worked hard for eight digs and it was Mioni along with freshman Arneet Garcha contributing five digs each. 

UP NEXT: The Trolls return to DeVos Gymnasium on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. Trinity Christian will host NCAA Division III Aurora University.