By Todd Kraft

Special to the Journal

TROY—Trojan volleyball improved their record to 1-2 after earning a four-set victory over the Ft. Zumwalt North Panthers on Tuesday on their home floor.

KEY PLAYERS

*Senior Evalena Wilke leads the team with 12 points.

*Junior Ali Bruns has a 100 percent serving rate with 1 ace.

*Senior Isabella Ruether has 14 kills and 5 blocks.

*Senior Mollie Holl has 10 points, 10 kills, and 9 blocks.

First Set (Ft. Zumwalt North 25-Troy-Buchanan 20)

The first set was a back and forth, competitive set. The Trojans were narrowly behind at 12-14 and then 17-20. The Panthers took control at that point, outscoring the Trojans with a three-point run and then finished the set with a game winning serve. Senior Evalena Wilke served effectively for Troy Buchanan at the beginning of the first set, but inconsistent play cost the team at key moments.

Second Set (Troy-Buchanan 25 — Ft. Zumwalt North 20)

The second set produced defensive stands and highly competitive play from both teams. Troy led the set 21-20 when junior Ryan Briscoe found success serving three straight points, taking the team to set point.

The Trojan’s defense shut down the Panther’s next serve and claimed the second set. “We have been waiting for this type of play this season,” Trojan Head Coach Colin Nelson said. “We have ability and high expectations. Our goal is to become consistent. Bella Ruether and Mackenzie Anderson did a great job of that on the right side tonight.”

Third Set (Troy 25 — Ft. Zumwalt North 11)

The Lady Trojans dominated the third set by jumping out to a 14-3 lead. Wilke scored the first four points to open the set and then on Troy Buchanon’s next serve Briscoe added the next eight points.

“Ryan got on a roll serving and that took the other team out of their offense,” Coach Nelson said. “Volleyball is a game of momentum, and her serves flattened their level of play, and they couldn’t come back.”

The Trojans were in control from that point both offensively and defensively. The Trojans played dominate defensively throughout the third set. Briscoe tallied 10 points during the set.

“We have this type of expectation for our play because we have skill in every position,” Coach Nelson said. “Our focus now is…everyone do your job and if you do your job we’ve got a lot of potential. Tonight was exciting for us because we saw longer stretches of everyone doing their job effectively.”

Fourth Set (Troy 25—Ft. Zumwalt North 22)

The fourth set was another tight, back and forth game like the second set. The Panthers lead 13-12 when Wilke put together a string of eight great serves, providing some temporary breathing room for the Lady Trojans.

The Panthers made a late run at the Lady Trojans, tightening the score to 22-21, but from there the Trojans played great defense and closed out the set for the win.

“Every team we play is competitive and we have to fight for everything,” Coach Nelson said. “I’m super proud of my girls because they did that tonight.”

After the win Tuesday night, the Trojans dropped a 3-1 match to Francis Howell Thursday.

Troy is back in action Saturday in a tournament at St. Charles West.