Sept. 6, 2002

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis volleyball team improved to 4-2 overall with a 3-0 win over Arkansas State (3-3) in the opening round of the Cal's Steakhouse Memphis Volleyball Tournament in the Elma Roane Fieldhouse, Friday.

Led by 18 kills from junior Brittany Barnett (Dallas, Texas/Lake Highlands), the Tigers took advantage of a struggling Arkansas State offense, holding the Lady Indians to sub-.100 hitting percentages in games one and three, while hitting over .200 in both games.

Freshman Nancy Nellans (South Bend, Ind./St. Joseph's) tied a Conference USA freshman record with nine service aces against the Lady Indians. Nellons, who had eight service aces in a 3-0 win over Charleston Southern in a tournament last weekend, is currently ranked fifth in the league in aces per game (0.78/game). Nellans also led the team with 13 digs, adding five kills and four assists.

Senior middle Brooke Chrisman (Katy, Texas/Katy HS) also hit double digit kills for the first time this season, downing 12 kills in the win.

The Tigers remain at home and will face Birmingham-Southern tonight at 7 p.m. before squaring off against Middle Tennessee, Saturday, at 12:30, and Appalachian State at 7:30.

In Other Cal's Steakhouse Tournament Action

- Freshman Chrissy Finch downed a game-high 13 kills to help Appalachian State remain undefeated at 6-0 in a 3-0 win over Birmingham-Southern in the Cal's Steakhouse tournament opener. Finch was joined by Katherine Dean and Kali Rumberger, who added 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Rachel Malmborg led Birmingham-Southern with 12 kills, while Kyndall Waters led the defense with 13 digs.