Trojans Close Out Road Swing

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TROY, Ala. – The Troy University volleyball team closes out a tough road trip on Thursday night as they travel to Mobile, Ala., to take on South Alabama in a match-up between two teams with identical Sun Belt records.

“We know we are up against a tough challenge,” head coach Sonny Kirkpatrick said. “South Alabama is a great team that is solid in all positions and they work well together.”

“They have been far more consistent than us this year,” Kirkpatrick said. “But this is a great rivalry, we always play each other tough, and I expect no less when we go into their gym Thursday night.”

First serve is set for 7:00 p.m.

Thursday's match is the final in a five-match road swing as the Trojans will return home on Friday, October 21, to take on Denver.

Check back with TroyTrojans.com for results and recaps. Fans can also find Troy on Twitter @TroyAthletics or become fans on Facebook.

TROY

2011 Record: 12-8, 2-4
Last Time Out: L (0-3) at Middle Tennessee
Head Coach: Sonny Kirkpatrick (Sixth season)

After starting Sun Belt play 2-0 with two wins at home, the Trojans are looking to snap a four-match losing streak which includes four road, conference matches.

The Trojans have been led this season by a strong defense that has held opponents to a .174 team attack percentage while leading the Sun Belt with 15.62 digs/set as a team. Courtney Cohen paces that defense as her 4.88 digs/set also pace the league.

Offensively, the Trojans feature a balance attack as Natasha Kolunija (2.63 kill/set), Breann Cullity (2.58) and Kayla Pickart (2.52) have all traded the team lead in kills/set throughout the season. Devin Von Pingel is Troy's most efficient attackers as her .346 attack percentage is tops on the team and third in the Sun Belt.

Alexandra Alexander sets up the offense well as her 9.82 assists/set average sits as the second best mark in the league.

SOUTH ALABAMA

2011 Record: 7-11, 2-4
Last Time Out: L (0-3) at WKU
Head Coach: Nicole Keshock (Eighth season)
Series: Troy leads 17-16

Like the Trojans, the Jaguars enter Thursday's match after dropping four straight road, Sun Belt matches. Also like Troy, South Alabama began its conference slate with two home wins, leaving the two squads tied in the Sun Belt East Division standings.

The Jags are also a well balanced offensive team as Samia Salomao (2.60), Olivia Mohler (2.47) and Melissa Waelter (2.44) are all near the team lead in kills/set. Thursday's match will feature two good setters as USA's Katriina Kananen sits just behind Alexander in the Sun Belt rankings at 9.75 assists/set.

Defensively, the Jags allow opponents to hit .203 as a team and are lead by Jenna Hassell who averages 3.66 digs/set.

Since Troy joined Division I in 1993, the Trojans hold a narrow advantage in a tight series. In those 18 years, the Trojans hold a 17-16 record against the Jags, but a 6-9 mark in Mobile. Troy is looking to avenge two losses to USA last season. The Jags swept the match in Mobile and won in five-sets in Troy.

Troy University Athletics

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