Wesley Kirchharr
Sports Editor
The Troy volleyball team looks ahead to the start of the 2018 regular season following the beginning of fall practice along with a preseason exhibition against Samford.
The Trojans, led by first-year head coach Josh Lauer, hope to keep last year’s momentum while introducing a fresh identity for Troy volleyball.
“I think that the brand of volleyball that we’re trying to play is going to be fun to watch,” said Head Coach Josh Lauer in an interview with Troy Athletics. “The fans are going to see a tenacity, competitive spirit and comradery on the court that is reflective of our University, our Athletics Department and the #OneTROY mantra.”
Troy ended last season in the Sun Belt Conference quarterfinals, falling 0-3 to fourth-seeded Arkansas State to cap off an 11-22 record. The Trojans eliminated in-state rival South Alabama in the opening round of the tournament, picking up the first tournament victory since knocking off Western Kentucky in 2013.
The Trojans now welcome eight new players to the 2018 campaign, part of Troy volleyball’s first nationally recognized signing class. Lone senior Logan Page leads the seven returning Trojans and a freshman heavy roster into the 2018 season.
“I think we’ve all kind of been waiting for this new group to come in,” said Head Coach Josh Lauer. “Not just the coaches — I think our returning players as well. Spring was long for us with only seven players. Now that we can have a full practice and really get after it, we’re scrappy and competitive even from day one.”
Joining Page are Belle Waldrop, Kiara Barrett, Jenni Young and Savannah Moore, a junior class that averaged 6.73 kills per set. Cheyenne Hayes and Saragrace Wilson round out the returning Trojans, making up the sophomore class.
Troy is set to host the Troy Invitational next weekend. The Trojans will host Southeastern Louisiana, Southern, and Southeast Missouri State.
The 2018 regular season is set to begin Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. when Troy takes on Southern in Trojan Arena. Troy will then play a doubleheader on Saturday, facing Southeast Missouri State at 10 a.m. and Southeastern Louisiana at 4:30 p.m.
