In its final home game this season, the Troy volleyball team defeated the University of Arkansas-Little Rock 3-0 in Trojan Arena on Sunday, Nov. 8.
On senior night, the Trojans (14-16, 7-8 Sun Belt) ended their five-match losing streak with just one regular-season match left. Troy’s seniors — outside hitter Blair Winston, middle hitter Darby Griff, defensive specialist Ali Dowdall and defense specialist Madeline Bouillon, who was injured for the season — were all honored before the game.
Winston led the team with 13 kills and .370 hitting percentage, and just behind her was Griff with 9 kills and .389 hitting percentage. Dowdall led the team defensively with the leading digs of 19 digs.
The opening set began closely for both teams, but late in the set Troy was able to find some willpower. This, along with five straight points, helped Troy beat the visiting UALR Trojans (12-13, 8-7 Sun Belt) in the first set 26-24.
In the second set, Troy gained the lead, but Little Rock did not give up. The two sides swapped scores, but Troy won the match 25-22, putting it at a 2-0 advantage.
The third and final set did not come easily to the Troy Trojans. After a 14-14 tie, Troy went on a run that led to winning the game 25-23 and the match 3-0.
“We played well for the seniors, and they played really well, too,” said Sonny Kirkpatrick, Troy’s head coach. “We knew today would be a good measuring point for where we are.
“Little Rock is a good team and the reigning Sun Belt champion. We have never really matched up well against them, but we put a game plan together that the girls followed really well and I couldn’t be more happy to send our seniors out with a win like that.”
Troy moves on to play their final regular season game on Friday, Nov. 13, against Georgia Southern. Match time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
From there the Troy Trojans will travel back to Statesboro, Georgia, to compete in the Sun Belt Championship the following Friday.
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