Troy volleyball sweeps the Trojan Invitational
The Troy volleyball team dominated over the weekend, winning all three matches in three sets in Trojan Arena. The Trojan Invitational wrapped up Troy’s non-conference play, and the Trojans seemingly could not have finished much better, defeating Murray State on Thursday, the Citadel on Friday and Northwestern State on Saturday.
Third-year middle hitter Ashlynn Axtell spoke about the tournament's importance for the Trojans and winning three matches in a row.
“It’s been a big focus for us going into this year, getting three in a row, because that’s what it takes at the end of the year in the conference tournament to make it to the championship,” Axtell said.
The Trojans have brought their season record to 5-4 after a three-match skid on the road before the Invitational. Head coach Josh Lauer spoke about the design of the two home tournaments, which are set up to simulate the conference tournament at the end of the year. “We needed a little bit of momentum going into conference play,” Lauer said. “I was excited that they could make that happen.”
Troy’s offense was extremely well balanced throughout the weekend, with a different player leading the team in kills each match with 13. Kalina Calvillo leads the team in kills for the season, and she led against Murray State, totaling 30 kills over the weekend and six total blocks.
Axtell and Isabella Ruether are tied for second in kills on the team this year, and each led a match in kills over the weekend. Both 13-kill totals marked career highs for Axtell and Ruether.
On defense, Haley Nash and Olivia Kwiatkowski led the team in digs with 28 and 27, behind Sophie Ocampo's nine total blocks. Kwiatkowski also contributed on the attack with 23 kills and three aces, as an outside hitter who plays back row and front row.
“I love being able to serve my team in every different way,” Kwiatkowski said. “If I’m having an off day hitting, being able to work on serve receive and getting balls up for my team.”
Troy’s biggest test on the weekend was its third match against Northwestern State, as it came into the tournament on a five-match winning streak, with two coming against Sun Belt members. The Demons also won their first two matches of the Trojan Invitational, each in four sets, before facing Troy.
In the first set against the Demons, Troy had everything rolling offensively and defensively, forcing 10 attacking errors for Northwestern, four of them on Troy blocks. The second and third sets were extremely close; both were decided by three points in favor of the Trojans.
These two sets featured 18 ties and seven lead changes, with both sets tied at 22 before the Trojans made a run.
Now, Troy must shift gears for conference play as they take on Louisiana in Trojan Arena at 6 p.m. on Sept. 25 and 2 p.m. on Sept. 26.
“We’re going to need another great Friday night in Trojan Arena next week as we open up Sun Belt play right here,” Lauer said. “I’m glad we get a home stand because our fans have been great and our players love playing at home.”
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