Troy University Athletics
Troy University
Alabama
Trojans Gear Up for Crimson Tide Invitational
9/1/2021 5:00:00 PM | Volleyball
TROY, Al. - Troy volleyball (1-1) heads to Tuscaloosa for their first road trip of the season as they take part in the Crimson Tide Invitational Thursday, September 2nd through Saturday, September 4th with matchups against Alabama (3-0), Southern Miss (4-0), and Buffalo (1-2).
"We are looking forward to another competitive weekend," head coach Josh Lauer said. "It's been quite a few years since we have played Alabama; Southern Miss and Buffalo are fun new opponents for our team. We play a lot of road matches this year during conference play, so this weekend will help prepare us for what is ahead. We had a good win over UAB on Sunday, but we have a lot to build on if we want to get where we want to be. We have to serve a little tougher, be more efficient offensively and execute better late in games."
The Trojans are coming off their first win of the season with a sweep over UAB. In two games Julia Brooks and Tori Hester lead the team in kills with 18 apiece, and as a team, the Trojans are averaging 13.50 kills per set, which puts them at third in the Sun Belt Conference. With a hitting percentage of .412, Brooks has the fourth-best total in the league. The Trojans are also fourth in the conference in assists per set, averaging 12.17 a match; Amara Anderson has recorded over 30 assists in both contests this year and leads the team with a total of 64, putting her third in the conference.
The Matchup:Â Troy vs. Alabama
Where: Foster Auditorium– Tuscaloosa, Ala.
When:Â 7 p.m.
Live Stats:Â https://gotroy.us/2Y5RO94
Live Stream:Â https://gotroy.us/3gLvSqv
The Matchup: Troy vs. Southern Miss
Where: Foster Auditorium– Tuscaloosa, Ala.
When: 2 p.m.
Live Stats:Â https://gotroy.us/3Bximym
The Matchup: Troy vs.Buffalo
Where: Foster Auditorium–Tuscaloosa, Ala.
When:Â 10 a.m.
Live Stats:Â https://gotroy.us/3kLpktb
Know The Foe:
Alabama: Troy is looking for its first-ever win over the Tide. The first meeting in 1995 and most recently in 2017, the Trojans are 0-8 against Alabama. Alabama is off to a 3-0 start, with wins against Austin Pey, Marshall, and Miami (OH). In 11 sets played, they average 14.18 kills,19.64 digs, and19.50 points per set.
Southern Miss: Starts the season 4-0 with wins over Mississippi Valley State, Southern Illinois, USC Upstate, and Louisiana. The first meeting with the Golden Eagles came in 1993 and has not met since 2014. In the eight meetings between the two clubs, the Trojans are 4-4. In their 15 sets played this year, the Golden Eagles average 14.0 7 kills, 12.93 assists, and 17.67 digs
Buffalo: First meeting in 1993 Troy has not squared off with the Bulls since 1997. Troy leads the series 5-3. The Bulls enter the tournament 1-2 with losses to Syracuse and Albany, and their lone win coming against UConn. They average 9.69 kills, 1.31 blocks, and 11.85 points in 13 sets played.
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