BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — The Trinity Christian men's volleyball team was unable to start its 2026 campaign on a high note, as the Trolls fell to Missouri Baptist 3-0 on Thursday (Jan. 22).

Seth Summers recorded the first point of the match for Trinity before Missouri Baptist rallied for five consecutive points. The Trolls responded with back-to-back kills from Juvantae Thompson and C.J. Lafin to cut the deficit to 5-3 in favor of the Spartans.

That proved to be as close as TCC would get in the opening set, as Missouri Baptist outscored the Trolls 20-11 the rest of the way to take the first set.

Caden Figus looked to get the Trolls back on track by opening the second set with a kill, but Missouri Baptist responded immediately. Conner Dargan later tied the set with a kill of his own.

Moments later, MBU jumped out to a 19-12 lead, but Trinity did not go away quietly. The Trolls used a 9-1 run to take a 21-20 advantage. Thompson led the rally with five kills, including the point that gave Trinity its lone lead of the set.

The Spartans answered, however, scoring three straight points to take a 23-21 lead late in the set. Thompson added another kill to pull TCC within one at 23-22, but Missouri Baptist closed the set with the final two points to win 25-22.

The Trolls scored the opening point of the third set, but Missouri Baptist followed with three straight points. A kill from Sam Cain and a block by Evan Whaley and Thompson brought Trinity within 10-8, but the Spartans maintained control the rest of the way.

Daniel Whaley made it 18-13 with a kill, but Missouri Baptist closed the set and match on a 7-1 run, including the final four points, to secure the victory.

UP NEXT
Trinity looks to get back on track in an exhibition matchup on the road against the College of DuPage on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m. CT.