Winter came before the snow for athletics here at Trinity International University (TIU).
Men’s Soccer ended their season at St. Xavier University Friday night, losing 2-0 in the NAIA Region VII quarterfinal. The Center Referee endured harsh criticism for calling a seemingly one-sided match for the Cougars.
“We disagree,” shouted Director of Student Affairs Adam Gustine from the stands after a dubious foul was called for the wrong team. Gustine was respectful and his sentiment was understood, said Associate Dean of Students Greg Leeper who had sat next to Gustine in the stands.
“Nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts, we got screwed!” chanted another disapproving fan at the final whistle, though eliciting an embarrassed response than a proud one.
This year the team experienced one of their most unique seasons, said senior captain Caleb Redelman. They went nine games with no wins (0-8-1), but stole second place in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) and earned a bid into the Region VII tournament.
“We had a good group of guys,” said Redelman, “We never gave up hope that we could win.” The men finished 6-12-1 overall.
Women’s Volleyball ended their season at the University of St. Francis Tuesday night, losing in the fourth game (30-17, 31-33, 30-28, 30-21) of the CCAC quarterfinal.
“I feel good about how we played,” said Coach Jill Rokosik. Her eyes and mouth told the story of a coach who was still recovering. The women finished 13-22, shoddy compared to last year’s 24-18 finish at the NAIA Region VII semi-final.
Women’s Soccer is exhausting all opportunities for post-season play again this year. They ended their NAIA future hopes Oct. 26 at St. Xavier, losing 2-1 in the NAIA Region VII quarterfinal.
But, unlike the men, their current overall record is above 50 percent (9-8-1), which makes them eligible by TIU standards to compete in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). The women play in the NCCAA North Region semi-final against Judson University 7:30 at St. Xavier tonight.
Men’s Football lost by a touchdown at St. Francis Saturday, 13-6. They finish their season in Davenport, Iowa against St. Ambrose University at 1 p.m. tomorrow. The men are 2-8 overall.
Men’s Varsity Basketball suffered tight losses in their first to games of the season. The men were defeated at Mount Mercy College (IA) 79-73 Tuesday.
“The team is playing really well. Our freshmen are putting in some good minutes,” said senior captain Chad Reilly, despite the losses.
Women’s Basketball also came up just short Tuesday at home against Viterbo University (WI) 57-52.
The only win of the week was Men’s JV Basketball at home against Trinity Christian College – a win only recorded in the minds of those who care.
