Troy Falls To FIU On The Road In Four

Friday, November 12

Miami, FL

6:30 p.m.

Troy University

Florida International University

Photo by: Troy University

11/12/2010 9:52:12 PM | Volleyball

The Trojans close out the season on Saturday against Florida Atlantic

By: Brynna Waters

Box Score

MIAMI, Fla. - The Troy University Trojans volleyball team fell for the second time this season to the Golden Panthers of FIU, this time losing in four sets 3-1 (17-25, 21-25, 25-21, 13-25) in Sun Belt Conference action Friday night.

Troy was led on the night by junior Natasha Kolunija who recorded 14 kills and a .294 attack percentage. Junior Brittany McClelland and sophomore Devin Von Pingel added seven kills each for the Trojans.

In the first set, Troy was able to battle with the Golden Panthers and stay within a point, until 7-5 when FIU was able to pull away for a lead that would force the Trojans to tally to stay in the match. Troy was able to come back with a group of Golden Panther errors ,and a kill from sophomore Devin Von Pingel to make it 13-12. However, FIU proved too much for Troy and pulled away for an eight-point victory in the opening set.

In the second set, Troy fell behind early; however, kills from Von Pingel, Kolunija and McClelland got the Trojans to within two at 13-11. FIU quickly put a stop to this rally and went on to take the set from Troy, taking a 2-0 lead into intermission.

It was Troy who would have the upper hand in the third set. The set was tied 13 times, and there were nine lead changes between the two teams. At 18-all, Troy was able to pull away with kills from Kolunija and a service ace from senior Megan Henderson. The Golden Panthers fought back, but Troy prived too much and took the third set to trim the lead to 2-1 overall.

In the final set, FIU was able to pull away early and maintained the lead throughout the remainder of the set. Kills from Von Pingel and McClelland were able to keep the Trojans in the set, but ultimately the Golden Panthers overpowered Troy and took the fourth set, along with the match victory.

Troy will face the Owls of Florida Atlantic tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. in Boca Raton, Florida in the season finale.

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