Troy University Athletics
Troy University
1-1,0-0Sun Belt
UAB
-02,00 CUSA
Troy Sweeps UAB for First Win of 2021
8/29/2021 5:30:00 PM | Volleyball
TROY, Al – Troy picked up its first victory of the 2021 season Sunday afternoon at Trojan Arena, sweeping the UAB Blazers in three straight sets (26-24, 25-14, 25-16). This is Trojan's first victory over the Blazers since 2017.
"It's a really good team win, and I'm really proud of our resilience," head coach Josh Lauer said. "We talked about having composure and poise. We took some good swings and kept being aggressive. We do not play to score; we play to win. We learned a lot about our team this weekend, and I can't thank the fans enough for coming out and making Trojan Arena special."
The Trojans (1-1) were led by Julia Brooks, who recorded a team-high of 14 kills and a .684 hitting percentage to go along with three block assists. Lacey Jeffcoat had an impressive defensive night with a game-high of 16 digs. Amara Anderson had her second straight game with over 30 assists finishing with 33.
For the Blazers (0-2), Fernanda Maida led them in kills and digs, tallying a team-high 16 points.
Set One: The Trojans were in control for most of the first set that saw eight tie scores and four lead changes. A late rally from UAB saw them record four straight points to tie things up at 19 apiece. Anderson and Hayes were able to stop the run with a perfectly placed kill. After being down to set point, the Trojans rattled off three straight points, with Anderson getting a kill to tie things up and Brooks recording a kill and a block to secure the set for the Trojans 26-24.
Set Two: It was all Trojans in the second set as the momentum continued with the help of two Anderson aces which were a part of a 9-0 Trojan run. The Trojans did not trail once in the second set and did not allow the Blazers to get within 10 points. The Trojans were efficient only recording two errors and connected 71 percent of their attacks. Caitlin Cooper made sure there was no comeback in-store with a dynamic block to win the set 25-14.
Set Three: It was a back-and-forth affair in the third set as UAB would not go quietly. After a service ace to give the Blazers a small 7-6 lead, Anderson added to her assist total, contributing 26 in the third set alone, connecting with Cheyenne Hayes for a kill. Another late UAB rally was stuffed out by the Trojans once more, with Brooks recording three straight kills to push the lead to 23-16. Cooper was there once more for her second straight set point block to give the Trojans a 25-16 third set win and complete the sweep.
Up Next: The Trojans travel to Tuscaloosa for the Crimson Tide Invitational with matchups against Alabama, Southern Miss, and Buffalo.
