Troy University Athletics
Troy University
2-5,0-0Sun Belt
Virginia
7-3,0-0ACC
Axtell’s Career Day Not Enough as Trojans Fall to Virginia
9/20/2025 5:25:00 PM | Volleyball
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Troy volleyball fell to Virginia on Saturday (25-23, 25-21, 27-25) in its first of two matches at the Sports Imports Classic.
Virginia (7-3) was led by Kate Dean, who posted 13 kills on an impressive .643 hitting percentage, while Jasmine Robinson added seven kills on a stellar .778 clip.
Troy (2-5) was paced once again by Amiah Butler, who delivered a match-high 14 kills to extend her streak of double-digit outings. Ashlynn Axtell anchored the defense at the net with a career-best seven blocks — three solo and four assists — marking the most by a Trojan in a match this season.
Set 1- Virginia 25, Troy 23
The opening set was a tight one, featuring 10 ties and four lead changes. Robinson's five kills combined with seven assists a piece from Zoey Dood and Hannah Scott gave Virginia the early lead.
Set 2 – Virginia 25, Troy 21
The Cavaliers opened the second frame scoring the first six points, and would lead as much as eight. Troy was able to make it a competitive set however, in large part due to Butler's five kills and two blocks from both Axtell and Emma Blaine. It would be too little too late for the Trojans, with Virginia holding onto the set despite being outhit by over .100.
Set 3 – Virginia 27, Troy 25
Virginia's blockers proved to be the deciding factor in the third and final set, as the Cavaliers registered eight blocks opposed to Troy's four. Troy held set point at 24-23, but two hitting errors from the Trojans would give Virginia the set as well as the match.
Quotable – Head Coach Josh Lauer
"Our team continues to battle, no matter who's on the other side of the net. Obviously losing tight sets and really close matches is tough, but this group continues to stay connected. We're going to circle the wagons and come back tomorrow and be ready for another competitive match, go out and be aggressive and play Troy Volleyball more consistent than we did today. We grow and learn from each of these opportunities and will be ready to go tomorrow."
Notables
- Troy is now 0-2 all-time against Virginia.
- Axtell's seven blocks are the most by a Trojan since Amiah Butler posted seven vs. South Alabama (Sept. 27, 2024).
- Her performance ties for third-most blocks in a three-set match in program history.
- Kalina Calvillo recorded the first assist of her career.
- Troy set a new season high with nine team blocks.
Up Next
The Trojans will remain in Columbus for a match with Ohio State on Sunday, September 21. First serve is scheduled for 12 p.m., with the action streaming exclusively on Big Ten Network Plus.
