The 3-3 USC women’s volleyball team hopes to have better results in the state of Texas than the football team did last Saturday.

The women of Troy will play in the Rice Adidas Invitational in Houston today and Saturday. They face Sam Houston State today and Saturday they play Oakland and Rice.

The then No. 7 Trojans started their season off with three losses two weeks ago but they came back with three wins in a row last weekend at the USC Raddison Classic at the Galen Center.

“The players rebounded,” said Coach Mick Haley after defeating a good Creighton team in five sets. The team was disappointed that they did not play well in the first three matches. Our offense was good t and our setters play really well.”

What also helped the Trojans win their own tournament was the play of some new and old players who have not been getting a lot of court time. “As we go along you will see some of our young talent develop.”

Nikkii Leonard, Jordan Dunn and Sarah Livingston came off the bench to help the Trojans get back into the win column. After starter Alyse Ford was injured against Creighton Livingston came in and the team continued to play at a high level. “Livingston is our fireman.” said Coach Haley. “When we need her she takes control.”

Veterans Elise Ruddins and Taylor Whittingham and freshman Khalia Lanier led the Trojans. Ruddins and Taylor made the all-tournament team and Lanier was named Most Valuable Player.

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com