WATERTOWN, Wis. — The Trinity Christian College men's volleyball team returned to the win column Thursday (Feb. 12), earning a commanding 3-0 sweep over Maranatha Baptist University on the road. C.J. Lafin led the Trolls with nine kills and three blocks in the victory.

Trinity Christian controlled the match from start to finish, setting the tone early and maintaining momentum throughout all three sets to secure the straight-set win.

SET 1: Trinity Christian 25, Maranatha Baptist 18

The Trolls jumped out to an early lead before the Sabercats responded with a short rally to even things up. After MBU grabbed an 8-6 advantage, Trinity answered with four straight points to regain control at 10-8.

Both teams traded points midway through the set before Danny Staskunas delivered back-to-back service aces to give the Trolls a spark. Maranatha cut the deficit to 15-13, but Trinity Christian responded with a decisive six-point run, capped by a kill from Juvantae Thompson. The Trolls closed out the opener, 25-18.

SET 2: Trinity Christian 25, Maranatha Baptist 11

Maranatha Baptist came out strong with three straight points to begin the set, but TCC quickly countered with three of its own, highlighted by kills from Daniel Whaley and Thompson.

With MBU holding a narrow 6-5 lead, the Trolls took over. Trinity ripped off 10 consecutive points — including a pair of kills and aces from Thompson — to build a commanding 15-6 advantage.

The Sabercats were unable to recover as Trinity later added another seven-point run to stretch the lead to 23-8. Sam Cain sealed the set with a kill, giving the Trolls a 2-0 match lead.

SET 3: Trinity Christian 25, Maranatha Baptist 20

Lafin carried the momentum into the third set, opening with back-to-back kills. Trinity extended its lead to 8-3 following a kill from Conner Dargan.

Maranatha made a push midway through the set, but the Trolls responded with six straight points, including two kills from Whaley. The Sabercats closed the gap to 23-20 after a late rally, but Trinity finished strong. A block by Lafin and Whaley sealed the 25-20 win and completed the sweep.

UP NEXT

Trinity Christian returns home Tuesday, February 17, to host College of DuPage in an exhibition match beginning at 7 p.m. CT.