Trojans Sweep Lakewood in Season Opener

Tree of Life Christian School opened the season with an impressive home sweep Tuesday, Aug. 18, defeating the Lakewood Lancers 25-22, 25-13, 25-16. After navigating a competitive opening set, the Trojans established early advantages in the next two and maintained control to complete the three-set victory.

Lakewood made the Trojans work for the first set. Tree of Life started slowly and struggled to create separation, but the team stayed composed as the score remained close. The Trojans found enough offense and defense down the stretch to secure a 25-22 win, giving the group an important boost in its first match of the season.

The second set brought a sharper start and a more decisive result. Tree of Life built an early lead, applied steady pressure and rolled to a 25-13 victory. That momentum continued into the third set, when another early advantage allowed the Trojans to play from in front. Lakewood could not erase the difference, and Tree of Life closed the match with a 25-16 win.

A balanced attack helped power the sweep. Libby Homkes and Allie Coleman each posted a .500 hitting percentage, converting opportunities efficiently at the net. Megan Donnally directed the offense with 26 assists, consistently putting the Trojans' hitters in position to finish points. From the service line, Abby Sanders led the team with five aces and added another source of pressure against the Lancers.

Tree of Life also received strong work from both levels of its defense. Emily Thorne anchored the back row with 12 digs, helping extend rallies and create transition opportunities for the offense. At the net, Klark Wilkinson and Allegra Santamaria delivered fantastic front-row defense, challenging Lakewood's attacks and strengthening the Trojans' blocking presence.

The straight-set result gave the Trojans a celebratory start to the new campaign and demonstrated the team's ability to adjust within a match. Tree of Life moved from a tight, uneven opening set to commanding early leads in the final two, pairing efficient hitting, consistent setting, aggressive serving and determined defense for a complete season-opening performance.