Troy University Athletics
Troy University
Western Kentucky University
Troy Falls to WKU at Home
11/14/2009 2:00:00 AM | Volleyball
TROY - The Trojan volleyball team saw its chances of qualifying for the Sun Belt Tournament take a big hit on Friday night at Trojan Arena. Troy fell to Western Kentucky in three sets (25-14, 25-18, 25-20).
"We knew we had to play well from the beginning," head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick said. "Unfortunately we did not do what we needed to do to win."
The Trojans were led on the night offensively by Kayla Giles who posted nine kills. Senior Meghan Gilroy was one behind Giles with eight. Megan Henderson recorded 21 assists for the Trojans. As a team, Troy hit .059 compared to the Lady Toppers' .250.
Giles also paced the Trojans defensively with 10 digs. Fellow freshman Lizzie Clough had nine digs.
In the first set, the two sides were tied early at 5-5, but Western Kentucky scored three straight to go ahead 8-5. WKU took five of the next six to pull ahead 13-6. The Lady Toppers continued pulled away as they took the first set 25-14.
In the second set, WKU jumped out to an early lead, taking nine of the first twelve to pull ahead, 9-3. The Trojan cut into the six point lead and go to within four at 12-8, however, WKU took the next three to pull ahead 15-8. The Lady Toppers maintained the seven point lead throughout, and they took the second set, 25-18.
In the third set, the two sides were tied at 6-6 early, but WKU took seven of ten to pull ahead 13-9. Troy got within three at 16-13, but they gave up four straight and fell into a seven point hole at 20-13. Troy was able to get back within five but that was it as they fell in the third set, 25-20.
WKU was led Emily Teegarden who posted 11 kills and a .304 attack percentage. Lauren Stuckel recorded 33 assists. Sarah Rogers paced the Lady Toppers with 20 digs.
"Our season rides on tomorrow's match and we need to play a lot better if we want to get into the Sun Belt Tournament," Kirkpatrick said.
The Trojans will be back in action on Saturday night when they honor Lauren Barney-Baker and Meghan Gilroy on senior night against Middle Tennessee. First serve is set for 7 p.m. at Trojan Arena and the Trojans must win to keep their SBC Tournament hopes alive. Check back with TroyTrojans.com for more news and notes from the volleyball court, as well as all of Troy Athletics.
