Troy University Athletics
Troy University
University of South Alabama
Trojans Sweep Jags at Trojan Arena
9/29/2009 1:45:00 AM | Volleyball
TROY, Ala. - The Trojans took out in-state rival South Alabama in three sets on Monday night in front of a raucous Trojan Arena crowd. Troy cruised through the first set and then built on the momentum to take the match, 3-0 (25-18, 25-23, 25-20).
"The crowd was amazing," said head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick, "Thanks to the Sound of the South, the cheerleaders, the 3.0 Club and everyone else that cam out. They were very energetic and we fed off of that."
The Trojans were led offensively by Meghan Gilroy who had 13 kills and Devin Von Pingel who had nine kills and a .333 attack percentage. Junior setter Megan Henderson posted 28 assists. Defensively, Emily Strader paced the Trojans with 11 digs.
"I couldn't be prouder of our team," Kirkpatrick said, "I think we've really turned the corner and I'd like to see us continue to play at this level."
The Trojans took control of the first set early, winning seven of eight after dropping the first two, giving Troy an early 7-3 lead. Troy remained ahead by at least four until the Jags pulled to within three at 14-11. At that time, the Trojans took six of eight to pull ahead 20-13. They remained ahead by seven throughout the rest of the set, winning 25-18.
The second set was a back and forth affair. The two sides were tied on nine different occasions, including as late as 23-23. The Trojans were ahead by as many as four at 12-8, but they also trailed by as many as three on a couple of occasions. Troy ultimately took the second set, 25-23.
The Trojans led all throughout the third set, thanks in large part to an early 4-1 lead. The Jags got within one at 10-9, but the Trojans then went on a three point run to take a 13-9 lead. After letting South Alabama get within two at 14-12, Troy scored five straight to go ahead 19-12. The Trojans maintain that lead and took the third set, 25-20.
South Alabama was led by Lindsay Schwartz with eight kills. Jennica Hagberg had 24 assists. The Jags were led defensively by Juliana Almeida with 13 digs and Schwartz with five total blocks.
The Trojans will return to the court on Friday when they travel to Little Rock, Ark. To continue conference play against UALR at 7 p.m. Live Stats for the match will be available. Check back with TroyTrojans.com for more news and notes from the volleyball court as well as all of Troy Athletics.
