By Aaron Coyle

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. - Despite six days off, the Thunder came out strong and contested top-ranked Calvin in the first set before eventually falling 3-0. (25-21, 25-13, 25-10) The loss drops Trine to 10-13 overall on the season and 4-7 in the MIAA.

It was a daunting task facing the Thunder as they traveled north to face the top-ranked team in the country. The Knights (24-0) came in riding a 48 match conference win streak, which is the longest ever in the MIAA since volleyball began in 1972.

Trine was up for the challenge in the first set, taking a quick 4-1 lead. Calvin tied it at 8-8, and the teams split the next six points to deadlock things at 11-11. The Knights broke loose on a 9-4 run to take a 20-15 lead. Trine regrouped after a timeout to pull within two at 22-20 and forced a Calvin timeout. The Knights scored three of the final four points to win the first set 25-21.

Sets two and three showed why Calvin is ranked No. 1 in the nation. They used their depth and athleticism to control the net and force the Thunder into tough passing situations. They eventually pulled away, winning the second set 25-13 and taking set three 25-10.

Serving has been a main strength for the Thunder the entire year. They came in leading the conference with 165 service aces, but didn't record a single one against the Knights. It allowed Calvin to control the first pass and set up the offense, which leads the nation in hitting percentage. It is the only time this season Trine has gone an entire match without an ace.

Calvin's conference win streak now stands at 49 and they've won 47 straight regular-season matches at home.

Trine was lead in kills by sophomore Taylor Rabel (Muncie, Ind./Muncie Central) with nine. Junior Carly Searles, (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) sophomore Stephanie Radandt, (Walkerton, Ind./John Glenn) and freshmen Marissa German (Plymouth, Ind./Plymouth) and Laura Hartman (Laingsburg, Mich./Laingsburg) all had four. It was a career-high for Hartman.

Eight different players recorded assists, led by Searles with 9. The all-conference setter entered the match 116th in the nation in assists.

Senior libero Carlee Felber (Newman, Calif./Orestimba) led the defense with seven digs.

Calvin sophomore Maggie Kamp paced the Knight attack with 13 kills. She leads the MIAA and is 14th in the nation in that department.

Trine returns to action on Friday Oct. 18 at home against Saint Mary's College at 7 p.m. Trine defeated the Belles in the first meeting 3-2.