Troy University Athletics
Trojans Looking to Extend Streaks
10/13/2009 7:30:00 PM | Volleyball
TROY, Ala. - The Trojan volleyball team will be back in action at Trojan Arena on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against the Samford Bulldogs. They will be looking to build on their success this weekend.
This past weekend, the Trojans (9-10) capped of a very successful three match stretch with a victory over Sun Belt West Division leading New Orleans on Sunday.
"This is the biggest win in our program's history," is how head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick described the victory over the Privateers on Sunday.
The Trojans also defeated Sun Belt foes ULM and Louisiana-Lafayette last weekend, both with 3-0 sweeps.
When the Trojans take the court against Samford (11-8) on Wednesday, they will be looking to continue a couple of streaks. Troy will be looking for its fourth consecutive victory and its sixth straight home win. The Trojans are currently 5-1 at Trojan Arena this season.
The Trojans have been led offensively this season by senior Meghan Gilroy, whose 4.20 kills per set is the second best average in the Sun Belt and the 29th best in the nation. Her .323 attack percentage is also among the Top 10 in the Sun Belt Conference.
Megan Henderson has set up the Trojan attack all season, posting 661 assists, averaging 9.87 per set, the sixth best average in the Sun Belt.
Defensively, freshman Lizzie Clough leads the Trojans with 199 digs, averaging 2.93 digs per set. Another freshman, Devin Von Pingel, paces the Trojans with 59 total blocks.
Samford enters the weekend after a tough five set loss to Southern Conference foe Appalachian State on Sunday. Prior to that loss, Samford had won eight straight matches, including five SoCon matches.
"It's going to be a good test for us, Samford is a very good team," Kirkpatrick said. "and we just need to continue to improve as our season goes forward
Their 5-1 conference mark has the Bulldogs on top of the North Division standings, and second overall in the SoCon. They trail only Furman (13-3), who the Trojans fell to in five sets earlier this season.
Samford is led offensively by Alli Bettinger and Sheriden Stangohr who have each posted over 200 kills (228 and 201 respectively). Stangohr is a Preseason All-SoCon selection. The Bulldog attack is set up by Hillary Fountain, another Preseason All-SoCon selection whose 630 assists are good for a 9.00 assists per set average.
Defensively, Stangohr leads the Bulldogs and the Southern Conference with 95 total blocks. Alexis Bauer paces the squad with 266 digs, averaging 3.75 per set.
Since joining Division I in 1993, the Trojans lead the series between the two schools 19-9. The Bulldogs won the last meeting, defeating the Trojans 1-3 last season in the UAB Tournament. The Trojans are 8-3 against Samford at Trojan Arena.
"Come on out, wear your cardinal, be loud and help us keep streak alive," Kirkpatrick added.
Live stats and a live webcast will be available for Wednesday's match at the links above. Be sure to check back with TroyTrojans.com for scores and stats from the volleyball court, as well as all of Troy Athletics.
