Troy University Athletics
Troy Welcomes UT-Martin for First Round of NIVC
11/30/2022 3:00:00 PM | Volleyball
TROY, Ala. – Troy volleyball gets set to continue their historic season as they prepare to face UT-Martin in the first round of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) from Trojan Arena on Thursday, December 1 at 6:00 pm in postseason play.
"UT Martin is a dynamic team offensively, and they play with a great defensive effort," head coach Josh Lauer said. "As the regular season champions of the OVC, they know how to win, and we are excited to compete against them in the postseason. Our team is excited to be playing a new opponent and being back in Trojan Arena.
Thursday will mark the third consecutive year the Trojans have advanced to the NIVC, with the first appearance coming in 2019, where they beat North Carolina A&T before falling to Georgia Tech. 2021 marked the first time the Trojans have hosted postseason play, with Troy again advancing to the second round after a sweep of Middle Tennessee but falling to North Florida.
Southern Miss and Alabama State will also be participating in Troy's quad of the bracket, with the winners set to play one another in the second round on Friday, December 2, from Trojan Arena at 5 pm.
How to Follow
The Matchup: Troy (18-12) vs. UT-Martin (22-11)
Where: Troy, Ala. – Trojan Arena
When: Thursday, December 1 – 6:00 pm
TV: ESPN+
This will be the first meeting between the two programs since 2019, when they met in St. Louis for the Billiken Invitational. The Trojans hold a 5-2 record over the Skyhawks, including 1-0 at home.
The Trojan offense will look to continue to run through Tori Hester, who cemented herself as one of the top attackers in the Sun Belt Conference. Her 503 kills this season are the second most in Troy program history for kills in a season. In addition, she ranked second in the conference in both kills and points, averaging 4.78 per set.
Know Your Opponent:
UT-Martin: Coming out of the Ohio Valley Conference, the Skyhawks have faced the Trojans seven times in their NCAA Division I history (since 1992) and will be making their first trip to Troy since 2006. This marks the second postseason appearance in Skyhawk volleyball history and the first since the program took part in the 2002 NCAA Tournament. The Skyhawks went 22-11 overall with a 15-3 mark in OVC play this fall, tying a school record for most conference victories. UT Martin currently ranks in the top 25 nationally in total attacks (4,565, 10th), service aces (203, 19th), kills (1,624, 24th), and digs (1,895, 25th). Head coach Jaclynn Wilson was named OVC coach of the year.
"UT Martin is a dynamic team offensively, and they play with a great defensive effort," head coach Josh Lauer said. "As the regular season champions of the OVC, they know how to win, and we are excited to compete against them in the postseason. Our team is excited to be playing a new opponent and being back in Trojan Arena.
Thursday will mark the third consecutive year the Trojans have advanced to the NIVC, with the first appearance coming in 2019, where they beat North Carolina A&T before falling to Georgia Tech. 2021 marked the first time the Trojans have hosted postseason play, with Troy again advancing to the second round after a sweep of Middle Tennessee but falling to North Florida.
Southern Miss and Alabama State will also be participating in Troy's quad of the bracket, with the winners set to play one another in the second round on Friday, December 2, from Trojan Arena at 5 pm.
How to Follow
The Matchup: Troy (18-12) vs. UT-Martin (22-11)
Where: Troy, Ala. – Trojan Arena
When: Thursday, December 1 – 6:00 pm
TV: ESPN+
This will be the first meeting between the two programs since 2019, when they met in St. Louis for the Billiken Invitational. The Trojans hold a 5-2 record over the Skyhawks, including 1-0 at home.
The Trojan offense will look to continue to run through Tori Hester, who cemented herself as one of the top attackers in the Sun Belt Conference. Her 503 kills this season are the second most in Troy program history for kills in a season. In addition, she ranked second in the conference in both kills and points, averaging 4.78 per set.
Know Your Opponent:
UT-Martin: Coming out of the Ohio Valley Conference, the Skyhawks have faced the Trojans seven times in their NCAA Division I history (since 1992) and will be making their first trip to Troy since 2006. This marks the second postseason appearance in Skyhawk volleyball history and the first since the program took part in the 2002 NCAA Tournament. The Skyhawks went 22-11 overall with a 15-3 mark in OVC play this fall, tying a school record for most conference victories. UT Martin currently ranks in the top 25 nationally in total attacks (4,565, 10th), service aces (203, 19th), kills (1,624, 24th), and digs (1,895, 25th). Head coach Jaclynn Wilson was named OVC coach of the year.
Players Mentioned
Outside Hitter
/ VolleyballPlayers Postmatch Press Conference - Southern Miss (Saturday)
Saturday, November 08
Josh Lauer Postmatch Press Conference - Southern Miss (Saturday)
Saturday, November 08
Ella Broadhead Postmatch Press Conference - Southern Miss (Friday)
Friday, November 07
Josh Lauer Postmatch Press Conference - Southern Miss (Friday)
Friday, November 07