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Volleyball Clips Miami University in Four, Wins Belmont Invitational
Aug. 28, 2010
Miami (Ohio) (1-2) 24 31 20 22 Memphis (2-1) 26 29 25 25 NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Sophomore outside hitter Vesna Jelic recorded Memphis' first double-double of the year with 10 kills and 14 digs, and Altrese Hawkins struck for a match-high 17 kills as the Tigers completed a day-two sweep at the Belmont Invitational via a four-set victory over Miami (Ohio). The U of M, 2-1 on the weekend to win the Belmont Invitational. Hawkins was named the tournament's MVP. With the Belmont's victory over Jacksonville State, the Tigers claimed the tournament title. The official members of the all-tournament team were announced after the votes were tallied. Two additional Tigers were named to the all-tournament team, Christine Bach and Marija Jovanovic. Bach libero led the club with 45 digs (3.46 d/g) and four aces. Jovanovic downed 11 kills in each of the first two matches, before finishing off the weekend strong against Miami. "I was pleased to learn that we had additional players from our team garner All-Tournament honors," Jauregui said. "That was a nice surprise to have 2 members and the tournament MVP. I am happy that Belmont chose to recognize Christine and Marija for their play. Christine had such a solid weekend with her passing, defense and serving game. It really was a nice start to her senior campaign. We struggled with getting Marija the sets she needs in our first two matches. However, in that last match versus Miami (Ohio), our set location was much better. Marija showed how dominate a player she truly is. Not only in her attack, but blocking and serving game as well." The tournament championship is the first for Memphis since winning the MSU Bulldog Club Invitational in 2008. "It was nice to pick up an early tournament victory," said Memphis head coach April Jauregui. "This weekend could have gone a variety of different ways. We started off rocky last night, but bounced back today. Congratulations to Altrese, for earning MVP. She proved this weekend how she can completely take over a game with her attack. I am eager to get back in the gym and prepare for next weekend." Memphis got a complete effort on the offensive end behind its top three hitters. Marija Jovanovic scorched the RedHawks defense with a 13 kills and a .400 attack percentage on 30 swings. The sophomore committed just one error. Hawkins hit .389 in the match. Tiger setter Hajnalka Molnar handed out a 35 assists. Led by freshman Katie Meyer's career day at the net, Memphis made 13 rejections in the contest. Meyer finished the match with eight total blocks, including two solos and six assists. Cassidy Hawkins and Jovanovic added four total blocks each. Bach led all players with 17 digs. Memphis will look to carry its momentum into next weekend's tournament--the UIC 2010 Invite in Chicago. The Tigers will face Illinois-Chicago, Northern Illinois and Kennesaw State in next weekend's field. 2010 Belmont Invitational All-Tournament Team
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Memphis Tigers
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