Home loss in District Tournament wraps Troy volleyball season
<p>Freshman Kaitlyn Downey passing in third set vs. Plains during the Distirct 7B Volleyball Tournament at Troy's Activity Center Saturday. Troy falls 25-17, 25-9, 25-13.</p>
<p>Freshman Aurora Becquart sends it over the net in the third set during the District 7B Volleyball Tournament Saturday.</p>
<p>Olivia Roach gently tips it over in first set vs. Plains during the District 7B Volleyball Tournament held at Troy's Activity Center Saturday.</p>
The Troy Lady Trojans ended their season Saturday with a home loss to Plains in the District 7B Tournament, 25-17, 25-9, 25-13.
Coach Mandy Love said she felt for her team. While the girls were unable to earn a win on the court this year, she was unequivocal about the players.
“They are not losers,” Love said. “I really feel for the girls because they are better than their record indicates. We had some good moments throughout the season but could not pull it together.”
The game was the last high school affair for seniors Olivia Thomas, Taylor Brown and Rebecca Rotolo. Thomas broke her leg early in the season and missed the majority of action before returning for two triumphant Saturday aces. The loss of Thomas was a tough blow. Love said she was one of the team’s steadiest players.
Fellow senior Taylor Brown played Where’s Waldo this year, shifting to several different positions during the season as injury and lineup shuffles took effect. Love praised Brown’s versatility.
Rotolo, the only senior to avoid injury or illness, was a key defender for the team. Love said she was one of the hardest workers on the team.
“Volleyball is not a game you learn overnight,” Love said. “We had 11 girls on varsity and a lot of broken fingers or sprained ankles. I think those things kept us from building a sense of unity during the season.”
A first-year coach in Troy, Love said she enjoyed the girls immensely. Acknowledging impressive growth during the season, Love said her players must put in extra time in the offseason to develop the skills needed for a more successful season next year.