Trojans Play Hard in Loss to Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. ? Troy knew Auburn would be a tough competitor to begin the 2007 season but it held tough throughout the match before falling 3-1.

The Trojans won game two 30-21 to forced a fourth game but fell in games one, three and four by scores of 31-29, 30-28 and 30-10, respectively.

I am encouraged by how hard we played the first three games. If we can continue to play like that I think we will be in really good shape coming up this season,” head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick said.

Troy lost the momentum at the beginning of game four after trailing 6-1 and was unable to recover it as Auburn led 19-6 late in the game.

Junior Aubre Smith led the Trojans offensively with 14 kills. Smith also posted seven blocks, with four solo blocks.

“I thought Aubre did well in the middle tonight. She was a force at the net blocking. She got a lot of good quality touches, letting us transition that into offense,” Kirkpatrick said. “She had a few solo blocks so that was good. Offensively she kind of struggled even though she did have 14 kills. There were a bunch of balls she just missed.”

Also contributing for the Trojans against Auburn were junior Jennifer White and freshman Megan Henderson who both posted six kills.

Troy kept the game close and took a two point lead, 22-20, late to begin the match. Troy continued the momentum with a big play from sophomore Lauren Barney and junior Aubre Smith to keep the ball alive. Sophomore Liz Leeds had a kill to clinch the point, 23-22 Troy.

Auburn pulled ahead 30-29 at the end of game one clinching it in the end 31-29.

In game two, the Trojans scored five straight points to take a 6-1 lead. Troy continued to gain momentum increasing its lead to six, 10-4. The Trojans extended the lead to eight late into the match leading Auburn 20-12.

Troy tied the match at one after clinching game two 30-21.

Troy continued to play strong in game three keeping the score tied or within one point. With the game tied at 16, Troy won a crucial point to take a one point lead, 17-16.

Smith posted a solo block to put the Trojans within one and then posted an ace to tie the game at 24. Auburn pulled ahead to win game three 30-28 and take a 2-1 match lead.

“It was a disappointing loss, we played our hearts out the first three games. If we would have made a play or two different here or there it could have been difference but the fact is in game four they came out and made all the plays and we didn't. Hats off to Auburn, they did what they needed to do to win and we didn't,” Kirkpatrick said.

“The fans that traveled to the game tonight and showed their support were tremendous. We fed off their energy throughout the match and I would like to thank them for their support and encouragement.”

The Trojans will be back in action on Saturday when it faces Tennessee State at 10 p.m. At 4 p.m. Troy will face Nicholls State to end the War Eagle Invitational.

Troy University Athletics

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