In the shadow of the public's fascination with Memphis football,the Tigers soccer programs are quietly putting togetherrecord-breaking seasons.
The two programs are off to a combined 12-4 start in 2004. Thatmark represents the best combined record through 16 games inMemphis history. The .750 winning percentage also ranks first amongConference USA schools this season. Louisville's men's and women'sprograms rank second with a combined 10-5-1 mark (.656).
What is even more impressive is where these teams have comefrom. Last season, through 16 combined games, Memphis soccer held a4-8-4 (.375) record.
The success of the women's team may be most surprising. TheTigers are 7-2 and off to the best nine-game start in programhistory. They have won three straight matches, including a victoryover C-USA defending champion DePaul. At this point last season,the women had struggled to a 1-5-3 record. In fact, they capturedjust five wins for the season.
"Since this is my fourth year, it's pretty exciting," saidsenior defender Monica Powell. "I don't even think we made it overthe .500 mark ever since I've been here.
"It's pretty exciting being 7-2; going around campussmiling."
The men's team also has plenty to smile about. Their 5-2 recordis the best team start since 1993. Last season, the men's programdid not record its fifth win until the 12th game. With their 3-1win against Charlotte in the conference opener, the men havealready matched last season's victory total in C-USA play.
Both teams will be in action this week. The men's team is atCincinnati (2-5) for a match this evening. The women travel to TCU(3-6) on Friday.
<b>In other news:</b>
<b>O'Brien receives national recognition </b>
Junior forward Dayton O'Brien was named to College Soccer NewsNational Team of the Week. O'Brien's inclusion is the first time amale Tigers player has made a national team since current women'scoach Brooks Monaghan in 1993. O'Brien contributed on six of theTigers' eight goals in wins over Evansville and Charlotte. Helogged five assists and one goal - the game winner againstCharlotte.
O'Brien and goalkeeper Sebastian Vecchio were also named toC-USA Offensive Player of the Week and Defensive Player of theWeek, respectively. Vecchio saved nine shots and allowed just twogoals during Memphis' 2-0 week.
The three awards represented the first accolades of the year forTigers players.
<b>Volleyball sweeps opposition, awards</b>
At this rate, Conference USA officials should just rename theawards.
Heather Watts was named C-USA Setter of the Week and TiarraGilkey took C-USA Player of the Week honors for the secondconsecutive week.
Watts has now won the Setter award in three of the past fourweeks. Her 267 assists paced the Tigers in their five matches lastweek.
Gilkey produced a .446 hitting percentage and put away ateam-high 86 kills. She shares the award with Saint Louis' AidaAntanaviciute.
Memphis went 5-0 last week en route to the championship at theUNC-Greensboro Invitational Tournament.
<b>Runner places in UALR Open</b>
Sophomore Daniele Riendeau ran a scorching 18:30 to take thirdplace at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Open. Her time wasjust one second short of a second place finish. As a team, Memphisfinished third out of six teams with five runners finishing in thetop 25.
