Volleyball team rebounds from loss to win MSU tournament
Last week before a practice at Elma Roane Fieldhouse, someone asked volleyball coach Carrie Yerty what her goal was for the remaining non- conference schedule.
She didn't hesitate with the answer.
"To go undefeated," Yearty said.
With a disappointing loss to Arkansas State last week, that goal can't be reached.
So the Tigers will have to settle for the next best thing, Winning everything else.
They're off to a good start, following last weekend's championship in the MSU/Microtel Classic in Starkville, Miss.
Memphis went 3-0 in the tournament, defeating Louisiana Tech, Eastern Kentucky and host Mississippi State in succession. The victories moved them to 10-4 on the season and ensured their second tournament title of the year. The U of M also prevailed in the Memphis Invitation Tournament.
"Our team really stepped up after the Arkansas State match," Yerty said in a released statement. "We had a great week of practice and it was evident that we focused on some of the things we worked on and worked hard to have a better all-around performance as a team."
The improved play was recognized by multiple organizations. Senior outside hitter Tiara Gilkey was named the Classic's MVP for her efforts. Junior OH Nancy Nellans was also named to the team.
Gilkey and Senior setter Heather Watts also received conference honors. Gilkey was named Conference USA Player of the Week and Watts was named Setter of the Week. It marked the first time in school history the Tigers held both conference awards simultaneously.
Watts and Gilkey each received their respective awards for the second time this season.
The Tigers head to North Carolina this week against Davidson. They round out their non-conference schedule in the UNC-Greensboro Tournament over the weekend.
Career day not enough for men's soccer
It took 101 minutes, but Vanderbilt finally figured out how to get past Tigers goalie Sebastian Vecchio.
Vecchio recorded a personal best nine saves in a 1-0 double overtime loss to the Commodores in Nashville on Sunday.
The game marked the second consecutive double overtime game for the Tigers, who defeated Eastern Illinois 3-2 on Friday. Both games were part of the Vanderbilt Puma Classic.
Memphis finished third in the tournament behind Vanderbilt and Northwestern. The Tigers (3-2) play today at home against Evansville (1-4-1)
Shutouts continue for women's soccer
A freshman goalkeeper blanked Drury (Mo.) 1-0 last week, but it isn't whom you might think. Instead of two-time Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week Natalie Haerens, it was Isabel Briones that held the Panthers scoreless.
The victory moved the Tigers to 5-2 on the season. It also was the fourth shutout of the season, surpassing lasts seasonÃs total. Haerens has the other three.
Memphis will begin conference play at home against DePaul (5-3, 1-0 in CUSA) on Friday.
Finnegan opens season strong
Men's tennis player Mark Finnegan won the B1 singles title at the Middle Tennessee Tournament last weekend. He posted a 3-0 record in singles play to win the honor. Tigers competed in separate divisions, with James Spence, Alex Bucewicz and Alex Jago all reaching the consolation finals match in their divisions. The Tigers next action is Oct. 8-10 at the Arkansas Invitational.
