University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss
11-4,2-2Sun Belt
Troy
8-5,3-1Sun Belt
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy | 23 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Southern Miss. | 25 | 23 | 23 | 20 | 1 |
Southern Miss Drops Hard-Fought Match to Troy
10/3/2026 8:19:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss (11-4, 2-2 SBC) opened Saturday's match with Troy with a strong first-set performance, but the Trojans rallied to take the final three sets and hand the Golden Eagles a 3-1 (23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-20) loss at the Wellness Center.
Southern Miss finished with 44 kills and a season-high 15 blocks marking the second consecutive match with double-digit team blocks, the first time the Golden Eagles have accomplished the feat since facing Troy in 2024.
Once again, Maggie Sewell led the Golden Eagles at the net with a career-high 12 blocks, the most by a player in a Sun Belt conference match this season. Sadie McAda paced Southern Miss offensively with 14 kills and added 13 digs for her second double-double of the weekend and 10th of the season. Elly Stewart added nine kills while hitting .364, while Diana Wells finished with 10 kills. Morgen Durgens recorded a season-high 14 assists.
How it Happened
Southern Miss came out firing in the opening set, with Wells recording four kills among the Golden Eagles' first 12 points. Wells and Stewart each finished the frame with five kills as Southern Miss built a 22-18 advantage late in the set. Troy mounted a final push with four straight points, including three consecutive service aces, but the Golden Eagles held on to claim the opening set, 25-23.
Troy answered quickly in the second set, opening a 10-4 lead as Southern Miss struggled to find its offensive rhythm. The Golden Eagles recorded just two kills over their first nine points and finished the set with eight kills while hitting .067. Despite the slow start, Southern Miss refused to go quietly. Trailing 23-15, the Golden Eagles scored six consecutive points to pull within two and force a Troy timeout. Southern Miss later cut the deficit to 24-23, but Troy secured the final point to even the match at one set apiece.
The third set featured a strong opening burst from Southern Miss as Allie Hazelwood served three aces to fuel a 4-0 start, with McAda adding a kill during the run. The Trojans steadily worked their way back into the frame, eventually taking a 15-14 lead. Southern Miss regained control and led 19-16 before Troy responded with four straight points to move in front, 20-19. The teams continued trading points late, but the Trojans scored the final two points to take the set, 25-23, and move ahead 2-1.
Troy carried its momentum into the fourth set, though the teams remained within a point of each other through the early stages. With the Southern Miss leading 10-9, the Trojans put together a 6-0 run to take a 15-10 advantage. Southern Miss worked to chip away at the deficit, with Emily Davis, and Aubrey Judd recording kills down the stretch, but the Golden Eagles could not generate enough momentum to complete another comeback. Troy closed the set, 25-20, to secure the 3-1 victory.
Up next
Southern Miss will be back at the Wellness Center next weekend when the Golden Eagles host Georgia State for another two-match Sun Belt series Oct. 9-10.
To keep up with the Golden Eagles, follow our Instagram (@southernmissvball), X (@southernmissvb), and Facebook (Southern Miss Volleyball).
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