University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
Syracuse
Tiger Volleyball Drops Two Matches in First Day
Sep 15, 2000 | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 15, 2000
Memphis, Tenn. -- - The University of Memphis volleyball team (4-5) dropped its opening two matches of the Graphic Systems Classic, Friday.
Memphis came out against an unbeaten Mississippi State team (8-0), and never found its rhythm on offense or defense, falling 15-3, 15-0 and 15-10. Mississippi State was led by Christine Owens and Misty Hubenthal, each downing 10 kills, while Hubenthal recorded three service aces in the 3-0 win.
The Tigers were led by junior Sarah Wengler and senior April Harriman, who each downed five kills. Freshman Brittany Barnett led the defense with 10 digs, while her high school teammate, Laura Stoke, led the defensive front line with two block solos.
The first two games of the match with Syracuse (7-3) was more of the same, with Memphis falling 15-1, 15-3 in the opener. But the Tigers regrouped and began to pass the ball well, battling with the Orangewomen to win game three, 15-10.
Memphis started out hot in game four, but an experienced Syracuse team rallied around hitters Dana Fume and Julianna Stokes. Fume downed 16 kills in the win, while Stokes added 12.
The Tiger were again led by the duo of Harriman and Wengler, each finishing with 12 kills.
The tournament continues with five matches, Saturday, with Memphis opening its day against Nicholls State at 2 p.m. The Tigers will also close the match with a 7:30 p.m. meeting with Ole Miss, who defeated Nicholls State, 3-0.
The tournament opens with Mississippi State and Nicholls State playing at 9 a.m., followed by Mississippi and Syracuse at 11:30 a.m.
