Troy Falls To Illinois-Chicago To Close Tourney

Saturday, September 11

Jacksonville, FL

3:00 p.m.

Troy University

University of Illinois - Chicago

Photo by: Troy University

Troy Falls To Illinois-Chicago To Close Tourney

9/11/2010 4:12:45 PM | Volleyball

The Trojans return to action next weekend at Kennesaw State Tournament

By: Brynna Waters

Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Although Troy competed hard in the Best Western Invitaional finale at the University of North Florida, it was the the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames who came out on top 3-0 (26-28, 22-25. 23-25) to end the tournament for the Trojans.

"We played well in spurts throughout the match, especially with a new line-up," Troy head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick said. "We just have to figure out how to make one or two more plays to get to the end, and we will be where we need to be."

Troy (4-8) was led by junior Natasha Kolunija with 15 kills, a .546 attack percentage and six blocks, while sophomore Devin Von Pingel added nine kills and three blocks for the Trojans. Meanwhile, senior Megan Henderson now sits 98 assists from third place on the Troy career charts by adding 37 assists to her total in this afternoon's match.

The first set was tied three times for the Trojans and Illinois-Chicago (4-4) before UIC was able to pull away following a tie at 8-all, but a kill from sophomore Kayla Giles kept the Trojans within one of the Flames. A pair of kills from Kolunija and service aces from Henderson and senior Victoria Rogoschewsky brought the Trojans back to a tie at 26-all. However, the Flames were able to score the final two points of the opening set to grab a 1-0 lead.

The Trojans continued to battle into the second set, however, they were unable to tie the match heading into intermission. The set was in a gridlock and tied 15 times before the Flames were able to pull away with a lead. Kills by Von Pingel, Rogoschewsky, and Kolunija kept the Trojans in the set. Going into intermission UIC was ahead 2-0.

The third set was no different for Troy, as the set was tied nine times before Troy was able to pull away with a lead with kills from Henderson and Kolunija. The Flames rallied and came from behind to tie the match at 16-all and take take the lead shortly thereafter. Three kills from Von Pingel, Kolunija, and Giles were able to keep the Trojans within one point of UIC until the very end when the Flames edged out the victiory and took the match from Troy.

Troy will have the week off before hitting the road next weekend, as they head to the Owl Invitational hosted by Kennesaw State. This will be Troy's fourth tournament of the season. Become a fan of Troy Athletics on Facebook and follow all the Troy action on Twitter by following @TroyAthletics