Nov. 3, 2006

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -

Marshall 3, Memphis 2
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Marshall (19-9; 11-3 C-USA)   28  22  30  30  15
Memphis (23-6; 9-4 C-USA)     30  30  28  28  13

Memphis took a 2-0 lead into the intermission, but behind a match-high 30 kills from 2006 Conference USA Preseason Player of the Year Kelly-Anne Billingy, and 18 from Stephanie Cahill, Marshall escaped with a five-game come-from-behind-win over the Tigers in C-USA play on Friday evening. The loss snaps Memphis home win streak at 13 matches.

The Tigers held an 8-6 lead midway through the final frame, but a 5-1 run by the Herd gave them an 11-9 advantage. Memphis cut the deficit to one point three times, with the last coming at 14-13 before Billingy hammered home the match-winner. Marshall hit .462 in the final frame.

Memphis got a double-double of 18 kills and 16 digs from Sarah Bury, while Ashley Liford and Melissa Nance each downed 16 kills each. Shelby Burton finished the night with 12 kills. Laura Côté handed out a match-high 65 assists for the Tigers, who fall for just the sixth time this year.

On the defensive side of the net, Christen Clayton made a match-best 22 digs. Memphis lost the battle at the net, as Marshall made 17 blocks to the Tiger's nine. Burton led Memphis with five blocks, and Bury and Colette Ramirez each made three blocks.

Uche Ndubisi added 15 kills and hit .545 for the Herd, who grab sole possession of first place with their 11 league win. Cahill completed a double-double outing with 16 digs. She added three blocks. Maggie Arias and Kristen Marcum posted 21 and 14 digs, respectively. Setter Christen Bimberg recorded a double-double of 61 assists and 10 digs, to go along with three blocks. Chelsea Lazar led the Herd with nine blocks. Billingy chipped in with five.

Memphis will attempt to keep the reigns on a first-round bye in the C-USA Tournament, when it hosts East Carolina at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Sunday's match will be Senior Day for the Tigers' three seniors.