No. 10 Trinity women’s volleyball kicked off the Trinity Fall Classic on Friday, Aug. 29 at 6 p.m., facing No. 12 Millikin University. Trinity fought back in the first set after Millikin took an early lead. The teams traded points and tied the set up 21-21. The Tigers scored four to take the first set.
“Our huddles are a huge part of how we build our momentum and keep each other positive, because in the moment, that’s where we tell each other, ‘Hey, look out for this shot,’ or ‘Keep it going,’” first-year Lily Long said. “It’s staying positive in the little moments and the bigger ones, with cheering and being happy for a teammate if they do well really makes the positive team culture a big thing for Trinity.”
The Tigers carried the energy into the second set, which they also won. Millikin struck first in the beginning of the third set, but Trinity fought back on a 10-3 scoring run to bring the game back in their favor at 15-11. The Tigers didn’t let go of the lead and took the third and final set 25-22.
After the game, Trinity volleyball was able to honor Head Coach Julie Jenkins at the “Julie Jenkins Court” dedication. Assistant Coach Maggi Linker detailed the efforts that went into the dedication.
“It was an incredible event. We had tons of alumni, parents of alumni and just in general supporters and friends of the program back for that event. I know it’s a huge honor for Coach Jenkins, but also it’s quite the honor for our entire program,” Linker said. “There have been so many alumni that have contributed to the success of the program over the years and [whom] I know Coach Jenkins would be quick to thank.”

The first set of the second game remained close, but ultimately ended in favor of Trinity. A block from Whatley and Long gave the Tigers a lead 10-7. The teams traded points before Whatley served an ace that sent the bench into a celebration frenzy. Junior middle blocker Courtney Pope found an open spot on the floor to deliver the final kill, and the Tigers took the first set 25-22.
“Obviously we have great setters that put us in great places, also coach has been working on this, having a faster arm swing,” Pope said. “Also just working in the weight room, but a lot of it is just based on our setters, putting in the right spots. It’s easier when you have no block, you’re just hitting it as hard as you can.”
Trinity held the lead for the entirety of the second set, and eventually took the second set after Long delivered the final hit.
“I think a huge part of our win was all of the training that we’ve been doing, and Coach Jenkins, Coach Linker and Brad and all the attention to detail that they have for the game,” Long said.
The evening of Saturday, Aug. 31 meant it was time for the Tigers’ third game of the tournament. The Tigers started the first set with a 4-1 lead, however, The Pioneers fought back throughout the set to tie the game at 21. UW-Platterville scored the final points, winning the first set 26-24. The Tigers had to fight back momentum after falling behind in the second set. Despite the team’s efforts, UW-Platterville also took the second set. Trinity started out the third set with a two point lead, and kept the score close until the end. Platterville ended up taking the third set 25-19. The teams record for the weekend was 2-3. Coach Linker talked about the teams mottos that apply to their game no matter the outcome.
“We want to. We don’t have to. It’s that idea that, of course we want these wins, we want success, we want to perform well, we want these things, but we don’t have to. The sun comes up tomorrow after a loss, and we continue on.”