GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest volleyball continued its late-season surge Thursday night, rallying past Trinity Christian College in another five-set thriller, 3-2 (26-24, 15-25, 25-23, 24-26, 15-13), during the program's annual Dig Pink Night at the Savannah Center. The RedHawks partnered with the Side-Out Foundation for breast cancer awareness and raised nearly $450 through donations and event activities.
The Savannah Center was electric from the opening serve, as both teams traded long rallies and defensive saves throughout the night. IU Northwest (11-16, 7-5 CCAC) and Trinity Christian (9-15, 8-6 CCAC) went point-for-point in the opening set before the RedHawks sealed it 26-24 on a kill from freshman Lindsey Krueger, capping an early 4-0 run fueled by setter Raniyah Preston's pinpoint distribution.
The Trolls regrouped in the second set, capitalizing on IU Northwest errors to even the match 25-15. Despite the setback, the RedHawks regained momentum in the third. Gabi Lilovich delivered clutch kills from the outside while Kaelan Murphy and Trinitie Lintner combined for critical blocks at the net, helping IUN edge out a tight 25-23 win.
Trinity Christian refused to back down, forcing a fifth set after taking the fourth 26-24 behind strong serving from Sharide Sykes. With the crowd on its feet, IU Northwest jumped ahead 5-0 in the final frame on back-to-back kills from Krueger and Murphy. The Trolls rallied to make it 13-12, but the RedHawks' composure and energy carried them across the finish line as Preston slammed home the final kill to clinch the 15-13 victory.
Krueger and Lilovich led the balanced RedHawk attack with 15 kills apiece, while Preston dished out 31 assists and added 12 digs. Murphy chipped in 10 kills and 17 digs, and libero Eva Everett anchored the defense with 21 digs. Lintner added seven kills and four total blocks.
The win marked IU Northwest's second straight five-set victory and highlighted the team's resilience and energy in front of a spirited home crowd.
IU Northwest hits the road to Milwaukee, Wis., on Tuesday, Oct. 21, to face Mount Mary University. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
