Volleyball is off to 3-1 start after 5-set win over Olive-Harvey

It may be early in the season, but there appears to be a new energy for the Triton College volleyball team. The Trojans are off to a 3-1 start after winning a tight five-set match against Olive-Harvey College (25-22, 25-21, 18-25, 18-25, 15-8) August 29 at the Jorndt Athletic Complex Gymnasium with Triton President Mary-Rita Moore among the spectators cheering the team on.

It was the second five-set victory already for the Trojans, who won their season opener in cliffhanging fashion at Moraine Valley Community College on August 22. Triton lost in four-sets at home to traditional power Harper College on August 26, but bounced back to sweep South Suburban College the next night in River Grove.

"I'm very excited about the start of the season," said Trojans head coach Guy Lum. "We beaten teams that we have never beaten before. Winning the game at Moraine was huge as they are historically a top-tier program."

Despite the Trojans overall lack of height, they've stuck to their formula to success and that is playing solid volleyball as a unit. This showed in the win over Olive-Harvey.

Triton's offense has been anchored by freshman setter Thea Tamondong. The Niles West graduate set up sophomore Brianna Hernandez in the middle for the kill to give the Trojans a 24-22 advantage in the opening set. The Trojans would secure the set on the next point following a net violation by the Panthers.

Set two was close throughout and with matters tied at 20, Triton closed the set with 5-1 run. Hernandez rattled off four straight points on her serve including an ace to give the Trojans a 24-20 lead. Olive-Harvey got a side-out to stay alive before Tamondong set up sophomore Paige Walker for the kill to clinch the set.

The Panthers height in the middle got going to win the next two sets. However, the Trojans were able to right the ship and controlled the fifth and decisive set.

"Size is an advantage, but if that size doesn't come with athleticism, we will be competitive with the taller teams we'll see," Lum said. "What has been the key with our group is our athleticism. Our team is really scrappy. Olive-Harvey has always been a scrappy team and was proud of the fact that tonight we our-scrapped them."

Triton plays their next two matches on the road at Carl Sandburg College (Sept. 2) and Malcolm x College (Sept. 5). The Trojans next home game is Monday, Sept. 8 against the reserves from North Park University. Game time is 6:00 p.m. at the Jorndt Athletic Complex Gymnasium.

Follow Triton Athletics on Twitter @TritonTrojans1 or on Instagram @Triton_College_Athletics