Troy Looks to Bounce Back Against App State, Coastal Carolina

TROY, Ala. – Troy's 13-match home win streak is on the line this weekend when Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina visit Trojan Arena. The Trojans haven't lost back-to-back matches this season and look to rebound after a tough divisional loss to in-state rival South Alabama Tuesday in Mobile.

The Trojans are looking for their ninth Sun Belt win of the season against Appalachian State, which would be the second-most conference wins in a single season in school history (2012, 10-5 Sun Belt).

"I love when our players have the opportunity to bounce back," head coach Josh Lauer said. "We're excited about what's in front of us and what we're playing for in terms of conference seeding and trying to prove that we're one of the top teams in the Sun Belt."

The Matchup: Troy (18-5, 8-3 Sun Belt) vs. Appalachian State (9-14, 5-5 Sun Belt)
Where: Troy, Ala. – Trojan Arena
When: Friday, Nov. 1 – 6:30 p.m.
Live Stream: https://gotroy.us/2q5E51h
Live Stats: https://gotroy.us/2N52Aoa

The Matchup: Troy (18-5, 8-3 Sun Belt) vs. Coastal Carolina (18-4, 8-2 Sun Belt)
Where: Troy, Ala. – Trojan Arena
When: Saturday, Nov. 2 – 6:30 p.m.
Live Stream: https://gotroy.us/334JqEB
Live Stats: https://gotroy.us/2oBdQPR

Despite Tuesday's loss, the Trojans still control their own destiny in the Sun Belt East Division race with five divisional matchups - all against teams in the top four of the division – remaining this season. Three of those five matches take place in Trojan Arena where Troy hasn't lost since Nov. 9, 2018 against Appalachian State.

Troy is yet to play in a five set match this season and is holding opposing teams to an average hitting percentage of .168 on the season, the second-best in the league. Appalachian State is averaging 13.14 kills per set while Troy is holding teams to an average of 10.53 assists per set.

The Trojans have made their serving a priority this season and the results are showing on the floor. Two Trojans find themselves among the Sun Belt's best servers. Lacey Jeffcoat is fourth in the conference averaging 0.43 aces/set while Natalie Hummel ranks fifth with 0.39 aces/set.

Amara Anderson continues to prove she is one of the top setters in the country, averaging 11.49 assists per set, the sixth-most in the nation. The sophomore has 920 total assists this season which is the ninth-most in the country.

Know Your Opponent – Appalachian State
Appalachian State finds itself on a five-match losing streak entering Friday's contest, but the Mountaineers have won the last two meetings between the schools. Emma Longley averages 3.99 kills per set to lead Appalachian State, but Kara Spicer is the Mountaineers most efficient hitter with an attack percentage of .328 on the year. As a team, Appalachian State is third in the league in kills per set, averaging 13.14 per set.

Know Your Opponent – Coastal Carolina
Coastal Carolina got off to an 8-0 start in conference play but have dropped two straight matches. The overall series between the schools is tied 5-5 with Troy winning the previous matchup. The Chanticleers remain one of the league's best teams, despite the two-game skid, leading the conference in hitting percentage (.274). Anett Nemeth presents a huge challenge for the Trojans. The Hungarian national team member averages 4.61 kills per set.

Troy Volleyball Quick Hitters

The Trojans are off to a 18-5 (8-3 Sun Belt) start under third-year head coach Josh Lauer. Troy's 18 wins this season are the most in the Lauer era and are the third-most by a Trojan team this century (2000, 20-11; 2012, 21-12).
Troy is unbeaten at home this season after getting off to an 12-0 start inside Trojan Arena. Dating back to last season, the Trojans have won 13 straight home matches which is tied for the ninth-longest active streak in the nation.
The Trojans are looking for their ninth Sun Belt win of the season against Appalachian State, which would be the second-most conference wins in a single season in school history (2012, 10-5 Sun Belt).
LAST TIME OUT: Troy fell to in-state rival South Alabama Tuesday in Mobile, 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-20). The Trojans will get a second chance at the Jags Friday, Nov. 8 in Trojan Arena.
The Trojans are holding opposing teams to an average hitting percentage of .168 on the season, the second-best in the league.
Appalachian State is averaging 13.14 kills per set while Troy is holding teams to an average of 10.53 assists per set.
Troy is averaging 13.97 kills per set this season which ranks 22nd nationally. The Trojans also rank 22nd in the country in assists per set (12.97).
As a team, Troy is averaging 1.61 service aces per set, the third-best mark in the Sun Belt.
Amara Anderson continues to prove she is one of the top setters in the country, averaging 11.49 assists per set, the sixth-most in the nation. The sophomore has 920 total assists this season which is the ninth-most in the country.
Cheyenne Hayes is second in the league in kills per set, averaging 4.18 on the year. That mark is also tied for 35th in the nation.
Two Trojans find themselves among the Sun Belt's best servers. Lacey Jeffcoat is fourth in the conference averaging 0.43 aces/set while Natalie Hummel ranks fifth with 0.39 aces/set.

Troy Looks to Bounce Back Against App State, Coastal Carolina

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Players Mentioned

Amara Anderson

Cheyenne Hayes

Natalie Hummel

Lacey Jeffcoat

Troy University Athletics