Trojans win Home Opener

Saturday, September 4

Troy, AL

12:30 p.m.

Troy University

Western Illinois University

Photo by: Troy University

9/4/2010 2:33:02 PM | Volleyball

Troy claims first home victory, defeating Western Illinois in the Troy Spiketacular

By: Brynna Waters

Box Score

TROY, Ala. - The Troy University volleyball team played on their home court for the first time this season, defeating Western Illinois Leathernecks in their first game of the 2010 Trojan Spiketacular, and the Trojans came away with a 3-0 (25-2, 25-20, 25-18) victory.

"We played well in spurts," coach Sonny Kirkpatrick said. "The match featured two evenly matched teams. We found a way to get the points to earn the win. Tomorrow, we need to play better and find a way to compete. We will be ready for day two of the tournament though."

The Trojans were led by senior Vicky Rogoschewsky, as the Canda-native recorded seven kills and a .385 attack percentage. Senior setter Megan Henderson added to her career assist total as she looks to climb the chart, recording 22 assists. She also recorded five digs and six kills against the Leathernecks.

In the first set, the Trojans and Western Illnois (1-3) were matched point-for-point until a batch of Leatherneck errors gave the Trojans the lead at 7-4. The Leathernecks battled back and the Trojans once again were tied, this time at 9-all. A set of kills by Henderson and junior Brittany McClelland got the Trojans rolling again. From that point, the Trojans eased to a first set victory.

In the second set, the two teams were matched point-for-point yet again. When the set was tied at 7-all, a kill from McClelland helped the Trojans jump to a lead. Two insurance kills by Henderson and sophomore Lizzie Clough helped the Trojans push ahead, and the Leathernecks were unable to catch up. The Trojans went into intermission ahead by two

The Trojans came out in the third set with the momentum. The Leathernecks battled, and forced a tie with the Trojans at 9-all when a kill by sophomore Devin Von Pingel and a service ace by freshman Courtney Cohen pushed the Trojans ahead. The Leathernecks were unable to spark a comeback and the Trojans took the third set and the match.

The Trojans will play two matches tomorrow in the tournament. They will face McNeese State at 9 am and close out the tournament by playing Evansville at 4 pm.

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