Troy Splits Matches to end Troy Spiketacular

Sunday, September 5

Troy, AL

9:00 a.m.

Troy University

McNeese State University

Photo by: Troy University

Troy Splits Matches to end Troy Spiketacular

9/5/2010 7:05:01 PM | Volleyball

The Trojans return to action at home on Tuesday before hitting the road for tournaments

By: Brynna Waters

McNeese State Box Score | Evansville Box Score

TROY, Ala. - The Troy Trojans split their matches in Sunday's segment of the 2010 Troy University Spiketacular, defeating McNeese State in the morning session 3-0 before falling to Evansville, 3-0, to end the tournament.

“We played extremely well in all phases of the game against McNeese State this morning,” head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick said. “Our service-receiving and defense were great, and we attacked at a high level. Unfortunately, we were unable to match Evansville. We knew they were a good team and if we didn't play our best, it was going to be hard for us to win. We had a good weekend and got better; we are looking forward to playing Auburn on Tuesday.”

The Trojans were led in the match against McNeese State (0-6) by sophomore Devin Von Pingel who recorded 14 kills and set a new career high with a .609 attack percentage. Junior transfer Natasha Kolunija and senior Victoria Rogoschewsky had eleven kills each to lead the way.

Troy took an early lead in the first set with kills from Von Pingel, Kolunija and Rogoschewsky. The Cowgirls battled back and got to within two of the Trojans at 20-18, but the rally was stopped short as four kills from Von Pingel led the Trojans to victory.

In the second set, the Trojans again took an early lead, as McNeese State was unable to get any closer than four points of Troy throughout the set. A set of kills by Von Pingel and a kill by sophomore Lizzie Clough upped the Trojan lead and they eventually took the set.

After intermission, the Cowgirls were able to stay with Troy throughout the third set, getting to within three points, until kills by sophomore Caroline Alexander and Rogoschewsky put the match away for the Trojans.

In the evening match against Evansville (5-1), Troy was led Kolunija who recorded eight kills and a .261 attack percentage. Kolunija was assisted by Von Pingel, who had six kills and a .238 attack percentage, while senior setter Megan Henderson continues to etch her way to the top of the Troy assists career chart. Henderson added 88 assists to her numbers on the weekend, bringing her total to 3,339.

Troy was down early in the first set, until a kill by Kolunija and an error by Evansville sparked a rally. The rally was not enough for the Trojans though, as they never could get closer than a four point reach of the Purple Aces. In the second set, Troy started out on the right foot taking an 8-3 lead. Unfortunately, this lead sparked an Ace rally and the Trojans were down 2-0 going into intermission.

The third set, saw Troy and Evansville battle it out point-for-point. The Trojans were able to maintain the lead for most of the third set. Evansville battled back, and the set was tied three times, one coming at 23-all, which Evansville would go on to take the victory and the match.

The Trojans will compete on Tuesday, September 7, against Auburn University at Sartain Hall. Admission is free and the match begins at 7.

Follow all the Trojan action on Twitter by following @TroyAthletics.