Volleyball Falls to James Madison in Quarterfinals

Friday, November 21

Foley, Ala.

4:30 p.m.

Troy University

10-16,7-9Sun Belt

No. 1E James Madison

21-8,13-3Sun Belt

Troy

James Madison

Volleyball Falls to James Madison in Quarterfinals

11/21/2025 8:14:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

By: Troy Athletics Communications

FOLEY, Ala. – Troy's comeback bid fell short against James Madison, as the Trojans were downed 3-1 (26-24, 25-14, 11-25, 25-23) in the Sun Belt Championship quarterfinals on Friday night.

After falling behind two sets early, the Trojans (10-16, 7-9 SBC) roared back with a 25-11 win in set three, its largest margin of victory in a set all year. However, the No. 1 east seed Dukes (21-8, 13-3 SBC) withstood a fourth-set comeback effort and closed out the match.

Amiah Butler led the Trojans with 16 kills, but Troy's middle hitters stepped up with strong performances. Sydney Austin packed the stat sheet with seven kills, three blocks, two aces and two digs. Senior Ella Broadhead recorded six kills on an efficient .455 hitting percentage and paired it with two blocks.

Set 1 – JMU 26, TROY 24

The Trojans fell in a close first set which featured 16 ties and seven lead changes. With the set tied 16-16, Jaci Mesa led Troy on a 7-0 run to take a commanding 23-16 lead. The Dukes responded with a 10-1 run of their own to come back and steal the first set. Austin had three kills and two blocks in the frame.

Set 2 – JMU 25, TROY 14

James Madison carried its momentum into the second set, leaping out to a 7-3 lead and hitting .429 in the frame. The Dukes relied on 10 blocks in the set, with Ayen Nhial's 16 total blocks setting a JMU record. Butler finished the second set with five kills.

Set 3 – TROY 25, JMU 11

Troy snatched back all the momentum with a dominant third set, hitting .306 and holding JMU to its fewest points in a set in Sun Belt play this year. With their backs against the wall, the Trojans pounced out to a 14-3 lead, which included an 8-0 run. Broadhead finished the set with four total kills.

Set 4 – JMU 25, TROY 23

In the deciding set, the Dukes took a 16-10 lead early and forced Troy to use both of its timeouts. However, the Trojans clawed their way back into it with a quick 4-0 burst. Down 19-22, Troy used aces from Olivia Kwiatkowski and Austin to tie the set at 23. A huge swing from Butler barely grazed the antenna, which sealed the match for JMU.

Quotable – Head Coach Josh Lauer
"Tonight was a great Sun Belt match. I'm so proud of the way our team competed against a very tough and talented James Madison team. This 2025 group of young women poured their hearts out all season for one another and our senior class did such good job all year long keeping our team culture healthy and strong not only for this season but for the future as well. I can't wait to see what awaits all our seniors in the next phase of their journey as Troy volleyball alums. I am also excited about our future. Troy volleyball continues to be a place where great people play a game they love with people they care deeply for, and that's what our Troy volleyball family and Building the Empire is all about… Go Trojans!"

Notables

In the 25-11 set three win, Troy held JMU to the fewest points it has scored in a set in conference play, and tied for the fewest all season
The third set win was also Troy's largest margin of victory in a set all season
Troy's 13 service aces are the second most it has had in a match all season, behind 17 against App State on Nov. 14
Troy is 0-3 all-time against James Madison
The Trojans are now 7-9 in Sun Belt Championship matches under head coach Josh Lauer