MADISON, S.D. - The Trojans made waves in Week 1 of CCL, fending off the previous runner-up, CCL Fall champions North Dakota State University. 

The Trojans had momentum in the first match of the best-of-three series, with Aydan Johnson leading the way with 20 eliminations and 6 assists. Three Trojan players topped the scoreboard at the end of the first match: Alexsandr Billey, named the match MVP with 17 eliminations and 17 assists; Carson Boyle, contributing 16 eliminations for the Trojans; and Trevor Schlechter with 14 eliminations and 12 assists. DSU finished the match with a 13-5 victory over the Bisons. 

In the second match, the Trojans experienced a slowdown in scoring, allowing the Bisons to control the pace in the early rounds. However, Johnson pushed back the NDSU advance, shutting down vital rounds to bring the Trojans back into the lead.

Johnson finished the match with 28 eliminations and 7 assists, while Boyle contributed 19 eliminations and 5 assists. Billey had 15 eliminations and 6 assists, Schlechter had 13 eliminations and 15 assists, and Jack Falnes had 10 eliminations and 12 assists. 

The Trojans finished with a 13-9 match victory over the Bisons. Winning the best of three series 2-0.  

The Trojans' next match is scheduled for Sunday, February 11, against the University of Wisconsin at 8 p.m.