FORT WAYNE — The third time was not the charm for the Triton volleyball team.

The Trojans traveled to the Summit City Tuesday night for the IHSAA Class A Regional Championship to take on Blackhawk Christian. For the third year in a row the Braves swept the Trojans to claim the title and move on. Blackhawk now boasts five regional titles, all won in the past six seasons (2011, 2013-16).

Triton began the night offensively with an errant serve. Perhaps that was just an omen of what was to come. The Trojans played back-and-forth for the first half of the opening set with the Braves, but the home team would soon put some distance between itself and its opponent. Triton rallied for a few points near the end, but Blackhawk took game one 25-17. It did not get any better from then on for Triton.

The Braves really opened things up in the second set and completely took Triton out of rhythm. The Trojans were not getting the ball to setter Hannah Wanemacher and, therefore, were not being able to hit or play the type of overpowering game that they thrive with. Blackhawk rolled to a game two victory, 25-6.

The third set proved to be much like the second for Triton. The Braves had its large student section in full throat, making the scene even more intimidating for a Triton squad that now looked like it wanted to be anywhere but in Blackhawk’s gym. Another big lead was built by the Braves and Triton simply could not find the answers or means to slow their opponent down. Big Blue Slam’s season ended with the Braves completing the sweep, 25-12.

“They are the better team,” Triton head coach Gayle Perry said of Blackhawk, “but we could’ve played so much better. I hate for it to end like that. The girls have come so far. We just didn’t have any confidence at all. They took us apart. I thought at first that we were going to rally, we we’re going to be okay. But as soon as they got a little taste of blood on us, they could see the fear and we stopped hitting. We’re about hitting and power and we didn’t have any of that tonight. We’re not good at that other game.

“We didn’t practice well last night. That’s the first time I can remember in a long time where they acted like they didn’t want to practice. I thought they were just anxious. I don’t know that I thought we’d win tonight, but I thought we’d play with them and not just be taken apart. I feel bad. That’s my fault. I should’ve had them prepared better. We’ll do better in the future, the future is bright.”

Triton graduates four seniors, MariKathryn Hepler, Mariah Musilli, Quinn Downing and Tyana Spencer. Downing’s departure may be the most damaging to the Trojans a she has held down the all-important libero role during her time at Triton. Sydney Musilli will look to fill those shoes next year as a junior.

“It had to be hard this year for those seniors,” Perry said. “I’m not easy. I’m sure it was tough. There were a lot of tears early. Those seniors stood up and did what I asked. They got the others to buck up and get a little tougher. I’m proud of what they accomplished.”

Triton finishes the season at 22-12. Blackhawk improves to 28-5 and will play Tindley this Saturday in the first semifinal of the Loogootee Semi-State.

Wanemacher led the Trojans with 13 assists. Nicole Sechrist had five kills. Downing recorded six digs. Kaitlin Bailey had two solo blocks.