Tree of Life Claim Second Set Before Falling to Shekinah Christian

Tree of Life Christian School showed its resilience with a strong second-set response Monday, Aug. 24, before falling 3-1 to Shekinah Christian. The Trojans dropped the opening set 25-17, answered with a 25-19 win and then fell 25-14 and 25-20 in the final two sets.

The second set provided the match's brightest stretch for Tree of Life. After Shekinah Christian established an early advantage by winning the opener, the Trojans raised their level at the net and from the service line. Their six-point victory evened the match at one set apiece and demonstrated the team's ability to respond after a difficult start.

Libby Homkes powered the Tree of Life attack with a team-high 14 kills and a .231 hitting percentage. That production gave the Trojans a consistent option on offense and helped drive their second-set turnaround. The team continued looking to Libby Homkes for points as it battled through the final two sets.

Megan Donnally directed the offense with 29 assists, helping Tree of Life create attacking opportunities across the match. Allie Coleman added a team-leading three service aces, providing valuable pressure from behind the line and giving the Trojans another way to disrupt Shekinah Christian's rhythm.

Shekinah Christian regained the lead with a 25-14 result in the third set, but Tree of Life continued competing in the fourth. The Trojans pushed to 20 points in their strongest challenge outside the second set before the hosts secured the final five-point margin and closed the match.

Although the result went against Tree of Life, the Trojans left with encouraging building blocks. A set victory, 14 kills from Libby Homkes, 29 assists from Megan Donnally and three aces from Allie Coleman highlighted a determined team performance and offered clear areas of promise for the matches ahead.

Tree of Life will face Delaware Christian on the road Tuesday, August 25 at 7pm.