Trojans Honor Seniors

Saturday, November 12

Troy, Ala.

7:00 p.m.

Troy University

Florida International University

Photo by: Edward Fieder

11/12/2011 9:04:00 PM | Volleyball

By: Matt Mays

Box Score

TROY, Ala. – The Troy volleyball team squandered an opportunity to qualify for the Sun Belt Tournament as they fell to FIU in straight sets at home on Saturday night. The contest marked the final regular game for Troy's three seniors, Natasha Kolunija, Laura Mackley and Brittany McClelland.

The Trojans (16-14, 6-10) will now have to wait until Sunday to learn if they will make the Sun Belt Tournament. Troy, UALR, Louisiana-Lafayette and South Alabama are still alive for the final two spots in the tournament. UALR and Louisiana-Lafayette play each other on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. while South Alabama takes on Florida Atlantic at 12:00 p.m.

Be sure to check back with TroyTrojans.com for more information throughout the week. Fans can also find Troy on Twitter @TroyAthletics or on Facebook.

FIU 3, TROY 0 (28-26, 25-18, 25-23)

Kayla Pickart led the Trojans with 13 kills while Kolunija added 12. Courtney Cohen led the defensive effort with 15 digs while Kolunija (12) and Alexandra Alexander (11) each posted double-digits as well.

Alexander also recorded 31 assists for the Trojans.

Both sides hit the ball well in the first set as FIU posted a .333 attack percentage which was slightly better than Troy's .326 percentage. The two sides found themselves tied on 18 different occasions in a closely contested set. The Trojans fought from behind throughout the entire set. They trailed 14-17 and scored three straight to tie things up but couldn't take the lead as the Panthers went up 18-17.

Troy fought of set points on three occasions but couldn't get the win as FIU took the first set, 28-26.

The Panthers continued their hot hitting as they posted a .463 mark in the second set. The Trojans would manage a .220 clip in the set but couldn't fight back from an early deficit as they fell to the Panthers, 25-18.

Troy jumped out to an early lead in the third set as they found themselves down 7-1. The Trojans held that lead until 16-10 when FIU scored six straight to tie things up. The Trojans pulled back ahead, 20-17, but the Panthers tied things up at 21-21 before taking the set, 25-23. Both sides hit under .100 but FIU outhit Troy, .094 to .036.