Someone should tell the women's soccer team that scoring isn't supposed to be this easy.
In two games -- both wins --- the Lady Tigers outscored their opponents 9-2, solidifying their place near the top of the Conference USA standings.
"I'm really pleased with the whole weekend," Coach Brooks Monaghan said. "We scored nine goals, but we can always be better."
"Neither game was a perfect game. It's hard to have a perfect game, but you can at least strive for that."
The Lady Tigers (10-3 overall, 4-1 in Conference USA) were not perfect, but they played well enough to easily handle two of C-USA's lesser teams.
Charlotte and East Carolina came into the weekend with a combined record of 4-16-3. Charlotte was 1-9-1, but had a 9-0 record against Memphis.
On Friday, the Lady Tigers scored early and often against the 49ers, winning easily 5-1.
East Carolina also struggled to solve Memphis, falling 4-1 on Sunday.Even more impressive than their goal-scoring dominance was how they scored.
Eight players scored the nine goals, with only Annika Moller scoring twice. Six different Lady Tigers also contributed assists.
On the season, twelve different Lady Tigers have lit up the scoreboard.
"We have a lot of different players that can score and a lot of depth on this team," said Memphis midfielder Vicki Greenwell, who contributed three assists on the weekend.
"We can bring players on and take players off and the team doesn't (lose anything)."
For the most part, the Memphis defense was just as impressive. In the two games, opponents mustered just five shots on goal and two scores.
There were momentary lapses in concentration, however.
In their 4-1 victory over East Carolina, the Pirates lone goal came on a cross in which a number of defenders just stood and watched. Tara Shaws shot right at goalkeeper Natalie Haerens, who deflected the ball but was unable to keep it out of her net.
"We gave (East Carolina) that goal, just like the Charlotte game," said Monaghan. "You can't afford to give up goals like that because (when) we start playing stronger teams, we'll pay for that."
After a slip up at TCU last weekend, Memphis has won three straight.
They're currently tied for third place with UAB with 12 points. Louisville has 13 points and Saint Louis leads with 15.
Memphis, which is currently ranked No. 12 in the Soccer Buzz Central region rankings, plays at South Florida (3-5-2, 0-2-2) on Friday.
The U of M's four C-USA wins are just one shy of the all-time school record for conference victories set in 2002.
Volleyball wins two road games
The Tigers extended their season-long winning streak to 11 games, defeating Southern Miss. and Tulane this weekend.
Memphis has not lost since Sept. 14 at home against Arkansas State.In the two matches, Memphis (18-4, 3-0) was led by Tiara Gilkey's 31 kills and Heather Watts' 91 assists.
In the 3-1 victory over Southern Miss., Gilkey put away 22 kills. Nancy Nellans led a balanced attack against Tulane, posting with 14 kills in the 3-0 sweep.
The Tigers are at home Friday and Saturday against East Carolina (8-11, 2-2) and Charlotte (14-7, 1-3).
Men's golf team in second place, looking for third straight tourney crown
Through one round of the Missouri Intercollegiate, Memphis is in prime position to break a long-time school record.
The U of M's Justin Miers shot a 3-under-par 68, good enough for a first place tie. Senior Allan Thomas, last weeks individual medalist at the Memphis Intercollegiate, is tied for third at 2-under-par.
The Tigers team total of 1-under-par 283 is two shots behind the University of Miami (Ohio). Host Missouri is in third, one shot behind Memphis.
The final round of the tournament will be held today.
