April 8, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - - After helping Memphis to its first Conference USA regular season win since 2005, sophomore Ashley Murdock (Memphis, Tenn./St. Agnes) was named the C-USA Women's Tennis Player of the Week, Tuesday. This is the first career league honor for Murdock and is the first weekly honor for a Tiger since Monica Gonzalez-Gordo won a Player of the Week honor on Mar. 25th of 2003.

"I believe this will be the first of many accolades we will see Ashley receive during her Tiger tennis career," Head Coach Lee Taylor Walker said. "This past week's play was just what she has been doing for us all year long-- and that is playing with great enthusiasm, intensity and determination. I am thrilled for her."

Murdock has won five straight matches following the 2-0 weekend at No. 1, improving to 14-4 on the season and 8-4 at No. 1 singles. The St. Agnes graduate, one of three Memphis-area graduates on the Tiger roster, was also 2-1 at No. 1 doubles while playing three different C-USA opponents this weekend. Murdock teamed with Marjorie Ondeck for wins against the No. 1 doubles teams from UTEP and UAB, improving to 5-6 for the season at the top slot.

Murdock is the daughter of a pair of Tigers. Her dad, Mike, was a golfer for the Tigers, while her mom, Nancy, was the first Golden Girl baton twirler at Memphis. Her sister Kristen was also a cheerleader at Memphis.

Memphis will complete its regular season slate Thursday against Central Arkansas. Projected rain may force that match indoors, but it is now scheduled for Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Rhodes College.