TIANJIN, China – The Trinity Western Spartans finished off the match portion of their China Goodwill tour with a 3-0 loss to Nankai University. The Spartans had a tough match against the professionals from Tianjin as they were bettered 25-16, 25-19, and 25-21.

"It is great playing high level teams. They were very good professional team and they force us to compete at a high level. They also were able to expose areas where we need to get better," said TWU head coach Ryan Hofer. "We competed and played very well, but then we would ease up and they would expose us. Matches like these force us to play at a high level from beginning to end. We need to be mentally prepared to battle and it is tough to do it through the entire match, which this group is learning how to do it. We also have new bodies on the floor, who are learning how to do this.

"This trip has been a huge success in preparing us and giving me a list of things that we need to buckle down on and get ready for when league starts. I'm looking at it that we have a lot of work to do, but I am excited as it really narrows our focus on the things we need to do over the next couple of weeks."

In the morning prior to the match the Spartans took part in the signing ceremony with Tianjin University School of Finance and Economics. The ceremony marked the continuing partnership between TWU and TUFE with the providing of the Great Wall MBA Program.

Next up for the Spartans, after they travel back to Canada, will be the West Coast Classic. TWU will host the tournament beginning Oct. 1 against the Calgary Dinos at the Langley Events Centre.

Match Notes: The Goodwill Tour will continue for the Spartans Saturday as they travel to Beijing to visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

-TW-