Trojans Come Up Just Short to James Madison in Semifinal Match

Saturday, November 19

Foley, Ala.

4 p.m.

Troy University

18-12,11-5Sun Belt

James Madison

23-4,15-1Sun Belt

Troy

James Madison

Trojans Come Up Just Short to James Madison in Semifinal Match

11/19/2022 9:11:00 PM | Volleyball

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By: Troy Athletics Communications

FOLEY, Ala. – For the second consecutive day, Troy volleyball found themselves in a five-set battle as they came up just short against James Madison in the semi-finals of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament Saturday afternoon. (25-22, 22-25, 24-26, 25-18, 12-15)

"I'm proud of how we played tonight against a terrific opponent in JMU," head coach Josh Lauer said. "Our team was very cohesive tonight and played their hearts out. There was a lot of emotion after the match, especially from our departing seniors who had done so much for Troy VB during their time as Trojans. I think our team is worthy of a NIVC bid, and I hope this team can play more post-season volleyball together."

The Trojans gave the regular season champions all they could handle throughout the match. Troy totaled 73 kills which were 21 more than the Dukes had recorded, but 35 attacking errors for Troy compared to the 17 by their opponents was a key statistical differential.

Freshman Amiah Butler led the match with a new career-high 22 kills as she was one of four Trojans to reach double-digits in kills. Tori Hester continued to do what she had done throughout the regular season and recorded a double-double after putting down 18 kills and 18 digs. Julia Brooks and Halston Hillier each saw 112 kills go their way.

Amara Anderson did what she has done her whole career at Troy and assisted her teammates. Anderson put up a season-high 63 assists in the match, one away from matching her career high.

James Madison was strong at the net all afternoon, totaling 18 blocks. Sophie Davis recorded her first double-double of the season with 20 kills and 10 blocks, and a .528 hitting percentage. At the same time, Hannah Roberts notched a career-high 36 assists.

Set One: 17 kills in the first set for Troy was one of two sets in which they recorded their match high as seven different Trojans recorded a kill. With the score knotted up at 16-1, an attack error and kill from Hester gave the Trojans a lead for the rest of the set, as they could hold off the Dukes the rest of the way to claim an early advantage.

Set Two: James Madison only had nine kills in the second set. The set saw 14 tie scores and nine lead changes, both a match-high. A kill from Brooks tied the set at 22-22, but James Madison would score three straight points to even the match.

Set Three: The Trojans would see a lead throughout the first set, leading by as many as four points. With Troy up 23-20, James Madison converted four straight points to take the lead. A service error from the Dukes helped Troy avoid the first set point, but they couldn't avoid a second as James Madison took the advantage.

Set Four: Troy fought back and controlled much of the fourth set. The Trojans would not squander a seven-point advantage and would win by seven points to send the match to the fifth and final set.

Set Five: There was no quit in the Trojans even after falling behind four points. Troy eventually tied the set at 12-12, but James Madison had one more run in them as they secured the match's final three points, knocking Troy out of the tournament.