Sinclair Portis
Staff Writer
The Trojan volleyball team took on the Georgia State Panthers on Friday, Oct. 2, defeating them 3-1, and defeating South Alabama 3-2 at home on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
They started the first game in high energy, taking the lead early and holding it through the first set, winning 25-12. In the second set, Troy (7-11, 1-4 Sun Belt) continued to play with high energy, and gained an early lead.
The Panthers (4-10, 0-4 Sun Belt) came back, though, gaining the lead to make it an intense game. Although the Trojans fought hard, Georgia State held its lead and won the second set 25-22.
The second set took its toll on the Trojans, who started the third rough from trying to recuperate. The Panthers took the lead at first, but after evening the score at 8-8, the Trojans swung the score in their favor, held that lead and won 25-13.
Troy once again played with energy, immediately taking the lead in the fourth. Georgia State fought to catch up as the Trojans sped towards the finish. Troy played an aggressive set, not letting up, and won the match.
The Trojans held the Panthers at a -0.24 hitting percentage to their .186. Junior middle hitters Leah Causey and Sara Landis both led the Trojans with 11 kills.
The Trojans faced their rivals the South Alabama Jaguars (8-8, 2-3 Sun Belt) Tuesday night, making it a powerful match. The game started with a Jaguar lead, but the Trojans fought their way back.
This started a fiery battle between the two sides until Troy took a strong lead. The Jags continued to fight for their spot, tying things at 19-19 and surpassing the Trojans to win 22-25.
In the second set, the Trojans started with the lead, trying to make up for the last one. The Jags quickly fought, gaining the lead only for Troy to take it back. Troy kept this lead and won the second set 25-19.
The Trojans kept up their momentum and high energy in the third set. Troy took the lead in the beginning and never backed down. It held the lead until the end of the third, winning 25-18.
The Trojans maintained their momentum against South Alabama, gained a lead in the beginning of the fourth, and held this lead through most of the set. The Jags finally caught up and took the lead at 14-15. The Jags won the fourth set 25-21.
Ready to end the game with a win, Troy took the lead early in the crucial fifth set. It started fast and went on to win the set 16-8, securing the 3-1 victory.
Landis led Troy with 13 kills, and Causey was close behind with 11. This earned the Trojans a .168 hitting percentage.
The Trojans will return to the court on Friday, Oct. 9, against the University of Louisiana-Monroe at home. Start time is scheduled for 6 p.m.
