PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill. – Trinity volleyball picked up the first win of the year on Friday, as the Trolls competed in a tri-match with Saint Francis (Ind.) and William Woods (Mo.) inside DeVos Gymnasium.

The Trolls (1-4) opened the day with a five-set victory over Saint Francis, overcoming a 2-1 deficit after three sets to come back for the win. Dropping the opening set 25-17, Trinity responded with a 25-14 victory in game two.

In the third set Trinity jumped out to an early lead and remained in front until the Cougars (4-1) would score five straight to even the score at 21-21. Trinity would go on to earn set point on an attacking error at 25-24, but the Cougars rallied with three straight to take the set 27-25.

The Trolls bounced back with a strong 25-18 victory in the fourth to extend the match. A 5-1 run for the visitors put Trinity behind 6-4, but kills from Sarah Neighbors and Brooke Veldman quickly evened the score. Taryn Hinken's kill at 11-9 gave the Trolls the lead, as Neighbors and Hinken each scored kills down the stretch to secure the win.

Hinken finished with 18 kills in the win, recording a .654 attack percentage. Alexis Bartz finished with 45 assists and 11 digs, while Cecilia Zuniga led the way on defense with 12 digs.

In the second match of the night the Trolls would push their opponents to the brink in game two, but ultimately fell in straight sets to William Woods 25-17, 26-24, 25-20. Veldman's eight kills would lead the Trolls, while four players each recorded a team-high four digs in the match.

Trinity are back in action on Thursday night, when they open CCAC play at St. Francis. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m.