FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Lawrence Technological University women's volleyball team opened the 2026 season with a split Friday at the Onset Volleyball Invitational in Fort Wayne, earning a 3-0 victory over the University of Rio Grande before falling to Grace College, 3-0, in the second match of the day.
The Blue Devils opened the tournament in impressive fashion against Rio Grande, sweeping the RedStorm by scores of 25-23, 25-22 and 25-13.
LTU's offense was clicking throughout the match, finishing with 41 kills and a .327 hitting percentage. The Blue Devils saved their best offensive performance for the third set, recording 20 kills while hitting .429 as they pulled away for the sweep. LTU also controlled the net with nine total blocks and held Rio Grande to a .151 hitting percentage.
Maria Trevino led the way offensively for the Blue Devils, finishing with a match-high 23 kills while hitting an impressive .564. She also added eight digs and 24.5 total points. Dru Temple directed the offense with 34 assists, while Isabella Meyer added six kills and three block assists.
The Blue Devils carried that momentum into the second match of the day against Grace College but ultimately fell to the Lancers, 25-17, 25-13, 25-21.
LTU battled throughout the third set, cutting the Grace lead to 13-10 before the Lancers responded with a run. The Blue Devils continued to fight late, but Grace closed out the match to secure the sweep.
Trevino again led the Blue Devils offensively with 12 kills, while Kyndal James added five kills and two block assists. Emily Hagelthorn contributed nine digs from the libero position, while Kaden Perkins recorded seven digs.
Following Friday's action, Lawrence Tech moves to 1-1 on the young season and will close out the Onset Volleyball Invitational with two matches Saturday.
The Blue Devils will take on Midway University (Ky.) at 10:45 a.m. before wrapping up tournament play against West Virginia University Institute of Technology at 3 p.m.
With two more opportunities to compete, LTU will look to carry the positives from Friday's strong opening performance against Rio Grande into Saturday's action.
