GREENSBORO, N.C. – Kevin Troup picked up his first win as Greensboro College's head volleyball coach after the Pride split a pair of games on Day 1 of the Greensboro College Volleyball Invitational Friday.
 
The Pride (1-1) fell to the Bruins of Piedmont International University in the first match of the day 3-1 before winning the nightcap, 3-0, over the Scotties of Agnes Scott.
 
After dropping the first two sets against the Bruins by scores of 25-22 and 25-16, the Pride was able to send the match into a fourth set with a 25-21 win in Set 3.
 
The Pride raced out to a 7-1 lead in the set behind the serve of Alycia Artis. In addition to one service ace by Artis, Greensboro got kills from Jasha Reed and Ruth Matovu.
 
As the set progressed, PIU was able to pull back to within three at 13-10 but Greensboro used a 6-0 run, fueled by two service aces by Sarah Egbers, to extend their lead to 19-10 before winning 25-21.
 
Following the third set win, Greensboro was unable to overcome early struggles in the fourth set, falling 26-24.
 
"We had too many errors in the match," Troup said. "After the match, I reminded the team that they needed to play loose."
 
Greensboro then quickly rebounded back from the loss to sweep the Scotties in straight sets by scores of 25-14, 25-19 and 25-12.
 
In the victory, Greensboro was able to take control of the sets early and not look back.
 
Artis paced the Pride with 12 kills and 4 aces, while Egbers chipped in 7 kills and 13 digs. Katie Clark passed for 29 assists.
 
"I was really happy with the way the girls responded following the loss," Troup added. "We were able to stay focused and handle the ball really well, which resulted in 11 service aces.
 
"Our energy was a lot higher which helped us keep the momentum in our favor."
 
The Pride will return to action Saturday when they take on Bob Jones University and Piedmont College. For more information on Greensboro College volleyball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.