Troy Primed to Open 2020 Season Against Georgia State

Friday, September 25

Troy, Ala.

11 a.m.

Troy University

Georgia State

Troy Primed to Open 2020 Season Against Georgia State

9/24/2020 9:24:00 AM | Volleyball

By: Troy Athletics Communications

Game Program | Match Notes

TROY, Ala. – Troy is set to open the much-anticipated 2020 season with a three-match series against Georgia State, beginning with a Friday doubleheader at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Trojan Arena. First serve for the final match of the weekend is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m.

"A lot of patience and hard work over the last six to seven weeks is finally coming to fruition," head coach Josh Lauer said. "We're excited that we get to play. Georgia State has developed into a fun little rivalry for us, we've had a few knockdown, drag out matches the last couple of years. Our focus is to go out and play Troy volleyball; play with the tempo and standard that we want to play at."

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Matchup: Troy (0-0, 0-0 Sun Belt) vs. Georgia State (1-1, 0-0 Sun Belt)
Where: Troy, Ala. – Trojan Arena

Match One (Friday, Sept. 25 – 11 a.m.)
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: https://gotroy.us/2RYRqCV

Match Two (Friday, Sept. 25 – 6 p.m.)
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: https://gotroy.us/3cnSiui

Match Three (Saturday, Sept. 26 – 1 p.m.)
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: https://gotroy.us/2FXfy6l

Twelve Trojans return from 2019's squad that made the program's first-ever postseason appearance and finished 23-10, the second-best mark in school history. The Trojans' +12 win differential from 2018 to 2019 was the sixth-best turnaround by an NCAA Division I school last season.

Troy is primed to take another step forward in 2020 with nearly all of its production returning to the roster, including 97% of its points, 99% of assists, 92% of aces and 96% of digs. The Trojans were tabbed to finish second in the Sun Belt East Division in a vote of the league's 12 head coaches.

Senior outside hitter Cheyenne Hayes and junior setter Amara Anderson were both named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Team after receiving first team conference recognition a year ago. Hayes tallied a team-high 455 kills in 2019 – the third-most in a season in school history – while Anderson led the Sun Belt in both assists (1,348) and assists/set (11.23).

Lacey Jeffcoat will anchor a scrappy defensive unit for the Trojans at libero after leading the team with 478 digs last season. Natalie Hummel, who recorded a team-high 37 aces in 2019, also returns to the lineup this season.

The Trojans welcome four newcomers to the roster in 2020, all freshman. Tori Hester (OH), Tessa Laney (S), Savannah Poling (MH) and Tabitha Wheeler (OH) all joined the squad after standout high school careers.

Know Your Opponent
Georgia State is off to a 1-1 start to the 2020 season after dropping a close 3-2 decision to UT-Chattanooga before defeating Mercer in five sets last weekend. The Trojans have won three-straight against the Panthers, including both of last year's contests by scores of 3-1 and 3-0. Georgia State returns seven players from last season's roster, including 2019 All-Sun Belt second team selection Meisheia Griffin. The Panthers also return Leah Wilcox who finished with 208 kills last season, the second-most on the team.