Troy University Athletics
Trojans Ease Past Jacksonville State
9/16/2008 5:00:00 AM | Volleyball
TROY, Ala. - Meghan Gilroy led the Troy Trojans with 12 kills, defeating Jacksonville State University 3-0 at Trojan Arena Tuesday night. The victory was the fourth consecutive victory for the Trojans dating back to this weekend.
The 25-23,25-22, 25-18 victory was the seventh in the last eight matches for Troy (8-4) dating back two weeks. It was the first time the two teams met since 2004, when Jacksonville State swept the season series from the Trojans. The victory was the first in the series for the Trojans since 2000 when they defeated Jacksonville State 3-1 at Trojan Arena. The Trojans now trail the all-time series 12-9, but lead at home 7-5.
Sophomore Megan Henderson played a stellar match from her setter position with 27 assists, while Emily Strader picked up 11 digs defensively.
Gilroy picked up where she left this weekend against Jacksonville State in the first set Tuesday night. The junior from Pensacola recorded seven kills in the opening set, including the all-important kill to set up set point.
In the opening set, the Trojans jumped to an early 9-6 lead only to see Jacksonville State charge back and tie the set at 10-all. After the two teams traded the next 16 points, Troy jumped to a 21-18 lead on a kill by Gilroy and a service ace by senior Meghan Washlow, her 21st of the season. Jacksonville State came back to tie the set at 23-all, with three consecutive points before Gilroy gave Troy a 24-23 lead. After a short rally, Henderson found an opening in the middle of the court and put away the set 25-23.
The second set ended the much the same way the opening set did, with the Trojans winning the set after a short rally. Leading the entire set, the Trojans allowed Jacksonville State to trim the lead from as many as five points to 23-20. Following a kill from Gilroy and a pair of points from Jacksonville State (4-7), the Trojans earned set point on a kill from Aubre Smith off a pass from Henderson.
In the final set, Jacksonville State jumped ahead and the intensity of the match was not more evident than when Henderson chased down a mishit by the Trojans in the back left corner. She was able to get the ball to freshman Laura Mackley who put the ball over the net, followed by an attack error by the Gamecocks to give Troy an 11-8 lead. The point was in the midst of a 8-1 run for the Trojans to put the set out of reach.
Troy returns to action Friday in Birmingham against Samford University in the UAB/Samford Invitational.
