Troy University Athletics
Troy Volleyball Heads to Texas State for First Conference Road Trip
10/3/2024 1:00:00 PM | Volleyball
TROY, Ala. – After a 2-0 start in conference play, the Troy volleyball team hits the road for the first time in Sun Belt play as it heads to the Lonestar State for a pair of matches on Friday and Saturday against Texas State, who was picked to finish first in the West Division ahead of Troy.
Troy (7-5, 2-0 SBC) defeated South Alabama in both matches in its opening weekend of conference play to put itself in a strong position heading to Texas State (8-5, 2-0 SBC), who swept Louisiana.
Match Information
The Matchup: Troy (7-5, 2-0) at Texas State (8-5, 2-0)
When: Friday, October 4, 6 p.m. | Saturday, October 5, 2 p.m.
Where: San Marcos, Texas – Strahan Arena (10,000)=
Watch: ESPN+
Live Stats: Troystats.com
Offensive Dominance
Tori Hester was dominant for Troy last weekend, as she recorded 45 kills in Troy's two wins over South Alabama, including 30 on Friday night in Troy's thrilling 3-2 reverse sweep over the Jaguars. Hester has been the most dominant hitter in the Sun Belt this season, as her 204 kills leads the Sun Belt and is ranked 40th nationally. Amiah Butler has been impressive on the other side of the court, as she is fifth in the Sun Belt in total kills with 157. In kills per set, Hester is first in the conference and seventh nationally at 4.74 kills per set. Butler is second in the conference at 3.65.
The strong hitting continues to be set up by the dynamic two-setter system that the Trojans have operated with this season. Janelle Stuempfig (5.44 a/s) and Jordan Sinness (4.38 a/s) have each played substantial time this season. In addition to setting, Stuempfig has recorded 26 kills and 18.0 blocks.
The Trojans have also been one of the stronger serving teams in the country this season, as they average 1.81 aces per set, a mark that is third in the conference and 49th nationally. The Trojans have gotten strong serving this season from Hester who leads with 19 aces. Sara Bates has also been a big weapon for the Trojans from the serving line, as she has added 16 which is second on the team and tied for tenth in the Sun Belt.
Scouting Texas State
Friday and Saturday will be the third and fourth home matches of the season for Texas State, who is coming off a 13-match road trip. Ryann Torres was named the Sun Belt Setter of the Week.
Sam Wunsch leads the Bobcats with 163 kills this season. On defense, Alyssa Ortega leads with 184 digs and Jade Defraeye has 53.0 blocks. Texas State leads the all-time series 19-0. Troy hosted the Bobcats last season.
Notables
• Josh Lauer is in his eighth season at the helm of Troy, and boasts a 114-104 record while leading the Trojans.
• The Trojans finished the 2023 season at 81 in the NCAA's RPI rankings. The Sun Belt had six teams in the top 100 of the final RPI rankings.
• Troy will play seven matches against teams who qualified for the 2023 Division I NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship.
• Troy is averaging 12.49 kills per set this season, which is seventh in the Sun Belt Conference and 163rd in the country.
• Leading the offensive charge this season has been outside hitters Tori Hester and Amiah Butler. Both players have earned Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week honors this season.
• Tori Hester's 204 kills leads the Trojans and the SBC this season. Hester logged 29 kills in Troy's 3-1 win over New Hampshire on opening day, which is a program record for the most kills in a four-set match. The previous best was 28 held by Cheyenne Hayes.
• Tori Hester's 4.74 kills per set is first in the conference and ranks her seventh nationally. Just behind her in the conference rankings is Butler with 3.65. Butler is fifth in the SBC in total kills with 157.
• Tori Hester is fifth in the country in points per set with 5.56, a mark that is also first in the Sun Belt. She has 239.0 total points this season, which leads the Sun Belt and is 32nd nationally.
• Hester has recorded 10 or more kills in 34 consecutive games dating back to last season. The last time she had single digit kills was Sept. 8, 2023 against Western Kentucky.
• The Trojans are using a two-setter system this year with Janelle Stuempfig (5.44 a/s) and Jordan Sinness (4.38 a/s) leading the charge.
• Troy's 12 Sun Belt wins last season were the most conference wins in program history. The Trojans started SBC play 10-0 before losing there first game against South Alabama.
