Volleyball competes against Power Four competition

Troy volleyball fell in two weekend matches against Virginia and Ohio State at the Sports Imports Classic in Columbus, Ohio.  

The Cavaliers swept the Trojans in the match on Saturday, even with career-bests and continued streaks from the Trojans.  

Amiah Butler led the Trojans once again, extending her streak of double-digit kill performances with a match-high 14 kills. Ashlyn Axtell made a career-best of seven blocks to mark the most by a Trojan in a match this season.  

Troy Athletics photo

Sydney Austin celebrates after the Trojans win a point against Mercer.

The Trojans kept the sets close, 25-23, 25-21, 27-25. The Trojans and Cavaliers fought back and forth to keep the score tight, with many ties and lead changes. Head coach Josh Lauer says the team’s competitiveness is what keeps them playing together and connected through tough matches. 

"Our team continues to battle, no matter who's on the other side of the net,” said Lauer. “Obviously losing tight sets and really close matches is tough, but this group continues to stay connected.  

“We're going to circle the wagons and come back tomorrow and be ready for another competitive match, go out and be aggressive and play Troy volleyball more consistent than we did today.” 

The Trojans took on Ohio State on Sunday in a five-set match that was a thrilling battle to the end.  

The Trojans put on a performance with Amiah Butler, Kalina Calvillo, and Olivia Kwiatkowski all finishing with more than 15 kills each, and Kwiatkowski hit .357 on the day.  

The Buckeyes racked up 26 blocks as a team, with Kaia Castle leading them at 15 – four solo and 11 assists.  

The Trojans started strong with an efficient offense and later forced a fifth set by winning the longest fourth set the Trojans have seen this season. Ohio State, using timely runs, strong blocks, and a .400 hitting percentage in the fifth set, ultimately took the match 3-2.  

As they look to start conference play, Lauer spoke about how this match prepared the Trojans for the rivalry match ahead. 

"We had another hard-fought match today,” said Lauer. “We continue to grow and get better each week and I'm very proud of the way we played today.  

“We are looking forward to the start of Sun Belt Conference play and will get ready for a competitive and exciting rivalry week."  

The Trojans open conference play on the road against South Alabama, with the two-match series starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sep. 26. Troy will square off against its rivals again on Saturday afternoon before heading home.