Tori Hester's outstanding performance led the Troy Trojans to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Southern Miss. Hester's 33 kills marked a season-high, ranking her among the elite in NCAA Division I volleyball for five-set matches. Despite dropping the first and fourth sets, Troy's resilience shone through in the pivotal fifth set, allowing them to secure their first road conference win of the season.

By the Numbers
  • Tori Hester achieved a season-high 33 kills, the most by a Sun Belt player this season.
  • Hester's 100 attacks are the highest in Troy’s program history; she is one of only four players in Division I with triple-digit attacks this season.
Yes, But

While Hester's performance was remarkable, Troy faced difficulties, notably during the first and fourth sets, which could pose challenges in future matches if not addressed.

State of Play
  • Troy's record improved to 11-12 overall and 6-7 in the Sun Belt Conference.
  • The Trojans extended their winning streak against Southern Miss to four matches and now hold an 8-6 all-time advantage.
What's Next

The Trojans will play Southern Miss again on Friday night, seeking to build on their recent momentum and secure another victory.

Bottom Line

Troy's win underscores the importance of individual excellence paired with team effort; as long as players like Hester continue to lead, the Trojans have a solid chance of making an impact in the remainder of their season.