Trailing two sets to one, The Meadowview Christian Trojans volleyball team was in survival mode at home against New Life on Thursday night.

The Trojans dropped the first two sets 25-15 and 25-19 before winning the third set 25-23 to extend the night.

“The girls started playing routine volleyball,” Meadowview head volleyball coach Tim Burton said. “They usually beat themselves. They very seldom get beat. They’re trying to make the play that gets the point, and they end up making an error in the process. So, they started taking what they were given and it worked out.”

However, New Life put the match away with a 25-13 win in the fourth set to defeat the Trojans on their opening night of the season.

In the final set, the Trojans best stretch was an early four-point run highlighted by two aces from junior Baylee House.

Senior outside hitter Alyssa Verhoff also had a strong game for the Trojans.

“She had a few nice hits and she played all-around everywhere else too,” Burton said. “She had a real good night.”

But after the brief run, the Trojans weren’t able to keep service very much for the remainder of the game.

New Life went on brief three and four-point runs for the rest of the set.

The first game of the season was a good test for the Trojans, who continued to challenge New Life throughout the night.

“I felt really good about them,” Burton said. “They played about what I expected, or a little better than I expected for it being the first real game against a team that we usually have trouble with. I was really proud of the way they played.”

The Trojans are scheduled to head to Tuscaloosa this weekend for the Cotton Classic tournament beginning on Friday. Their next home game is on Monday Aug. 27 against Wilcox at 5 p.m.