The Troy volleyball team fell to its archrival South Alabama, three sets to one, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Mobile.
The Trojans (13-13, 6-6) looked to take a series sweep this season against the Jaguars (13-9, 7-4), but they were unable to keep up with their conference foe in the final three sets.
Troy’s 3-1 loss was its second straight loss. It fell 3-1 at home to Texas State on Thursday, Oct. 22.
The away team started the game with its typical high level of energy, winning the first match and holding South Alabama to a .083 percentage in the first set. South was quick to bounce back, however, gaining momentum to come away with the victory.
Senior outside hitter Blaire Winston recorded a team high of 17 kills. Junior middle hitter and right side Sara Landis followed Winston with eight kills.
Senior middle hitter Darby Griff and junior outside hitter Symone Shaw matched with seven kills each.
Defensively, senior defensive specialist Ali Dowdall helped Troy with 21 digs. Sophomore setter Reina Terry and freshman setter and defensive specialist Alisha Hinrichs matched with 11 digs each, followed by freshman defensive specialist Karissa Carney with 10. Terry posted another double-double in the match, adding 36 assists and 11 digs.
The second set was intense, as Troy fought to keep its spot in the lead.
Troy tied things up at 21 each, but South Alabama responded with four straight points to claim the set 25-21.
In the third set, the Jaguars kept up their momentum. They broke through Troy’s lead at 14-13 and never looked back, putting the Trojans up against the wall, two sets to one, following a 25-19 victory.
The final set in the fourth resulted in South’s victory. Even though Troy fought hard to bring the match back to their side, the Jags held the lead the entire set to secure the match victory.
South Alabama’s 17 blocks left the Trojans with a .083 hitting percentage for the entire game. Offensively, South was led by Mechelle Daniel with 12 kills, and defensively by Nikki Gittens, who tallied 10 blocks. After beating UALR and Texas State, South Alabama’s victory over Troy was their third straight win.
Troy goes on the road this weekend to compete against UT-Arlington on Friday, Oct. 30, and Texas State on Saturday, Oct. 31. Both games are scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.
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