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The Troy Trojans (13-14) saw their 2024 volleyball season come to a close on Thursday with a 3-2 loss to the Georgia State Panthers (17-12) in the opening round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament in Foley.

Troy won the first set 27-25 but Georgia State came back to win the second by a score of 25-21. The Panthers took the third set 25-23 but Troy tied things up with a dominating 25-16 win in the fourth set. Georgia State took the win with a 15-13 win the fifth.

“That was a tough-fought, heartbreaking match. Congrats to Georgia State on a hard-earned win,” Troy Coach Josh Lauer said. “I’m very thankful for all the hard work and sacrifices our players and staff have made this year. This team stayed committed to one another throughout and our senior class of Tori, Caroline, Janelle and Sophie have left a tremendously positive legacy for the future of our program. We will miss them for sure, but they have made sure that the future of Troy Volleyball is very bright.”

The Sun Belt Player of the Year Tori Hester led Troy with 28 kills, one ace, 17 digs and two blocks, while Kalina Calvillo added 17 kills and one block. Janelle Stuempfig dished 52 assists, while Jaci Mesa earned 19 digs. Sara Bates earned six aces and Jordan Sinness earned four as the Trojans set a Sun Belt record with 13 service aces in a five-set tournament match.