Troy University Athletics
Troy Hosts Jacksonville State Tuesday
9/16/2008 5:00:00 AM | Volleyball
TROY, Ala. - Fresh off their second tournament title in as many weeks, the Troy Trojans host in-state rival Jacksonville State University at Trojan Arena Tuesday night. The match will be the last non-conference home match for the Trojans this season, and will be their final home match until October 3 against UALR.
"The Jacksonville State-Troy rivalry was before my time," head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick said. "I would love to see that rivalry start again."
The Trojans finished their preparations Monday night for Jacksonville State, their first practice since returning from the tournament.
"We had a pretty good practice last night," Kirkpatrick said. "When you have a good practice the night before a game, you feel good going into that game. We have a good team so that always helps, and if we continue to do what we do I feel we will play well against anyone."
Troy (7-4) captured the Courtyard by Marriott Chanticleer Invitational after going undefeated against Tennessee-Chattanooga, Coastal Carolina and Georgia State. During the tournament, the Trojans only dropped one set behind the play of Most Outstanding Player Meghan Gilroy. The junior recorded double-digit kills in all three matches and recorded attack percentage of .300 or better in each match. Aubre Smith and Megan Henderson were each named to the All-Tournament Team, the third such honor for Smith and second for Gilroy.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville State (4-6) enters the match with the Trojans after dropping their last match to Maryland 3-1, after winning the first set. Jacksonville State has dropped their last two matches, to Maryland and Tulane this past weekend. Prior to those two matches, the Gamecocks won four-of-six contests.
The two teams have not met since 2004, with Jacksonville State claiming that victory 3-0 at Pete Mathews Coliseum in Jacksonville. The Gamecocks lead the all-time series over Troy 12-8, with the series at 6-5 in favor of the Trojans.
"I am looking forward to tonight's match," Kirkpatrick said. "I am looking forward to see how far we've come. We had a good weekend, and we are looking forward to keeping any momentum we might have as we move forward."
Troy will be playing just their second home match of the season, and the first set a record for attendance with 1,523 fans cheering on the Trojans against Auburn one week ago Tuesday night.
The match with Jacksonville State will mark the first of four consecutive matches against in-state competition.
The Jacksonville State match is scheduled for 5:30 pm, and admission to Trojan Arena is free for volleyball. During halftime of the match, the Department of Athletics at Troy University will recognize the 3.0 Recognition Club, those 165 student-athletes who earned a 3.0 grade point average or higher during the 2008 Spring semester.
