ANGOLA, Ind. - It was a big win and sweet revenge for the Trine University volleyball team as they defeated Alma College 3-1 (25-22, 21-25, 25-15, 25-22). The Thunder are now 10-9 on the season and 5-4 in the conference taking over sole possession of fourth.

After falling to the Scots just four days earlier, the Thunder came out not wanting disappoint the home fans. The opening set saw the Thunder battle back from an early deficit trailing by as much as four points on several occasions. Trine came back as they scored five straight points to take just their second lead of the set at 22-20. Both sides traded points over the last several rallies as the Thunder kept Alma out of reach.

Set two was the Scots from the get go. Alma started the set by scoring the first six points and took a commanding lead. Trine did make it a fight late as they rattled off their own six point streak to tie the match at 16 all. With the set tied at 20, Alma scored five of the next six points to take the set.

The third set was all Thunder. Alma tied the score early at 2-2, but from there on, the Thunder rolled. Trine scored nine of the final 11 points in the set and looked to carry that momentum into the final set. The set was near perfect for the Thunder as they hit .500 with just two errors.

The Scots looked to hang close in the fourth set as they trailed early put came back to tie the set at eight all and then took a one point lead. From there, Trine scored four straight points and never looked back. Trine would quickly put together another four point streak and take a seven point lead. Alma would score five in a row to pull within two points.  Trine rallied off consecutive points to push their lead back but the Scots wouldn't let up. The Thunder finally put the game away with an exclamation point by junior Betsy Irwin (Athens, Ohio/Alexander) and freshman Jordan Bell (Coldwater, Mich./Bronson) who ended the game with an enormous block that sent Hershey Hall into an eruption.

Irwin led the Thunder with a season-high 21 kills while adding in four blocks, all assists. Irwin also hit a game-high .455. Freshman Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) had a huge game and was just a dig shy of a double-double as she finished with 10 kills and nine digs. Fellow freshman Melanie Troyer (Elkhart, Ind./Elkhart Memorial) was also just shy of a double-double as she finished with nine kills and a game-high 16 digs. Bell also had a solid night with seven kills, seven digs and tying a game-high with three aces. Sophomore Darcy Crabtree (Gaston, Ind./Wes-Del) also had three service aces while adding in 12 digs.

Junior Sarah Radekin (Athens, Ohio/Alexander) had an all-around solid game with a game-high 46 assists to go along with six digs and four kills.

Trine will next play on October 7 as they host non-conference opponent Mount St. Joseph for a 6:30 p.m. match.