In a highly emotion contest, the Alma College volleyball team defeated visiting Trine University 3-2 (25-20, 23-25, 25-18, 17-25, 15-9) on Tuesday evening in MIAA action at Art Smith Arena.

With the victory, the Scots improve to 9-8 overall with a 4-4 mark in conference play. The Thunder drop to 9-9 on the season and 4-4 in MIAA contests.

"We played some of our best volleyball and some our worst volleyball tonight," said Alma Head Coach Sarah Dehring. "I am confident that this team can beat anybody they face, but until they can play together with confidence and pride, we will continue to be a bit of a roller coaster."

Alma jumped out to a sizable 11-1 lead to start the first set. The Scots remained strong throughout - not allowing Trine to get any closer than six - and took the first set 25-19.

The second set saw both teams exchange points early, a kill by the Thunder knotted the score at 4-4 early in the set. A service error gave the Scots the 15-11 advantage before Trine rallied back to bring it within two at 22-20. A couple errors late by the Thunder help seal the set-two victory for Alma 25-23.

Set three was another close one, the Scots were up 12-10 before four-straight Trine points made it 12-14. Two points in row by the Thunder finished off Alma in set three 25-18.

Trine jumped out to a 5-0 advantage to start the fourth set and it never looked back, claiming the set 25-17.

The deciding set was close throughout with Alma eventually claiming the fifth set 15-9 and the match 3-2.

Sr. MH Lea Klooster (Jenison, Mich./Jenison), Jr. OH/DS Laura Walker (Roscommon, Mich./Roscommon), Sr. S Erika VanHavel (Mason, Mich./Mason) and Fr. S Mary Dulzo (Novi, Mich./Mercy) each recorded double-doubles for the Scots with 10 kills and 12 digs, 10 kills and 14 digs, 20 assists and 12 digs, and 12 assists and 15 digs, respectively. Sr. DS/L Jaycee Cole (Alma, Mich./Alma) tallied a team-high 16 digs and Sr. MH Rebecca Trosper (Plano, TX/Lutheran North) added eight kills.

For the Thunder, Carly Searles recorded eight kills and a team-high 32 assists and Carlee Feiber notched a team-high 26 digs.

The Scots take the court again on Friday, October 4, as they welcome Hope to Art Smith Arena for a match at 6:30 p.m.