Match 16: at Troy Match Notes (.pdf)

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama volleyball team will head back out on the road for a midweek Sun Belt Conference match versus in-state rival Troy.  First serve versus the Trojans at Trojan Arena is set for Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Live stats for the match can be accessed at www.USAJaguars.com.  Fans can also keep up with in-match updates by following action on the program's twitter account @USA_Jags_VB.

South Alabama enters play this week with an 8-7 overall record and a 2-2 mark in Sun Belt action.  The Jaguars are coming off a thrilling 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Georgia State on Saturday.  USA dropped the first two sets to the Panthers, but rallied back to pick up the final two and complete the comeback.

"Each time we step on the floor we are seeing a team that will fight and compete more often," South Alabama head coach Amy Hendrichovsky said.  "Once we became the aggressor of the match on Saturday, we executed on our side and our effort was contagious.  In sets three, four and five, we had multiple upperclassmen raise their level of play and bring a drive and determination to do their job well.  They had some new faces on the court and it forced them to communicate more as leaders.  Each time we play we are calling on our bench in tough moments and they are engaged and ready to give their best.  Having depth on our bench will help us tremendously as the season continues."

Mechell Daniel was instrumental in the victory as she had a season-high 24 kills and 18 digs.  She now has a team-best six double-doubles this season.  Coming into play this week, Daniel ranks second in the conference in kills with 3.54 per set.  In her four SBC matches this season, Daniel has 67 kills and 36 digs and is averaging 4.19 kps and 2.25 dps.  

Junior middle blocker Sarah Richardson's .351 hitting percentage is third-best in the Sun Belt this season.  She has hit .500 or better in seven matches this season, including five of USA's eight wins.  Richardson also leads the club with 58 total blocks and is averaging 0.95 per set.

Fellow middle blocker Nikki Gittens is right behind Richardson at the net with 57 blocks and a 0.93 bps average.  As a team, South Alabama is averaging 2.02 blocks per set.

Senior defensive specialist Emily Hundt has been solid as of late in the starting libero role.  Currently, she ranks ninth in the league in digs with 3.49, but in league play, the Garland, Texas, native has elevated her play, averaging 4.44 per set.  

South Alabama is averaging 16.25 digs per set in its four SBC matches and ranks fourth in the conference in that category (14.95).

Freshman Arissa Chappell leads the club with 21 service aces and is tied for sixth in the conference in that category with 0.34 per set.

Troy enters the midweek match versus the Jaguars with a 7-11 overall record and 1-4 mark in Sun Belt play.  Last week, the Trojans snapped a nine-match losing streak with a straight set win over Alabama A&M and then followed that up with a 3-1 victory over Georgia State on Friday.  The Trojans are 6-2 this season on their home floor.  

Offensively, Troy is averaging 11.38 kills per set and hitting .164, while holding its opponents to a .176 attack percentage, which ranks fifth in the Sun Belt.  

Senior outside hitter Blair Winston sits just outside the Sun Belt leaders in kills with 3.02 kps.  Winston's 199 kills this season lead the club.

Darby Griff is fourth in the league in blocks as the 6-0 middle blocker is averaging 1.12 per set.  She leads the club with 76 total blocks, which are currently 32nd-most in the NCAA.

Sara Landis is second on the Troy roster in that same category with 60 blocks, while fellow junior Leah Causey is close behind her with 51.  As a team, the Trojans are fourth in the Sun Belt in blocks with 2.23 per set.  

In the backcourt, senior libero Ali Dowdall ranks fourth in the SBC in digs.  The Davison, Mich., native has 322 entering play this week and is averaging 4.74 per set.  Her 322 digs are 27th-most in the NCAA entering play this week and she ranks 55th nationally in digs per set.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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