The Lady Tigers volleyball team demonstrated playing as a unit can bring individual success.
The team took the attitude of destroying their opponents and executing their system to the Boston College Tournament and sophomore setter Heather Watts’ performance stood out.
Watts said her being named the tournament’s most valuable player reflects her team’s play on the court.
“We dominated,” Watts said. “I was shocked to win the MVP. I guess I owe it all to my team. Without my team, I wouldn’t have looked good. We played well this weekend.”
Watts’ performance in Boston was eye catching. She averaged 13.4 assists in the three victories over Gardner Webb, Boston College and Dartmouth.
The Tigers’ (12-4) three wins increased their winning streak to eight. Memphis went 9-1 in their matches, only losing a set to Boston College.
Watts said the team had confidence in their abilities and showed no mercy to the teams across the net.
“Basically we wanted to dominate every set,” Watts said. “I knew we could win every one. Basically we wanted to go out there and get the job done.”
Since moving from the defensive specialist position and taking over the setting duties, Watts has been getting her job done. She is third on the team with .45 blocks a game and second on the squad with 2.9 digs per contest.
Watts was named Conference USA co-player of the week along with Cincinnati’s Bonita Wise. Both players helped their teams take home tournament titles.
After bringing home two tournament wins in two weeks, the Tigers have nine days to relax and prepare for the competition to stiffen. The Tigers next three opponents, UT-Martin, Saint Louis and Ole Miss, are a combined 21-13.
Watts said the team is looking forward to taking it easy before the tougher opponents arrive.
“The layoff would be good for us,” Watts said. “We can rest and get ready to get going again.”
Watts said the team is ready to take the conference and non-conference foes that are left on the schedule.
“We are ready to play them,” Watts said. “We are excited for the level of competition coming up. We are ready to step up to the challenge.”
Watts said the team is not satisfied with winning eight in a row or the tournament titles because they have more tests ahead of them this season.
“It is exciting (the winning streak and tournament wins),” Watts said. “But we have not reached all of our expectations. We want to go out there and keep winning and dominating.”
