Aug. 23, 2008
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -
Memphis-Gray 25 16 25 23 15
Memphis-Blue 19 25 22 25 13
The University of Memphis volleyball team completed its lone dress rehearsal for the 2008 season with its annual Blue-Gray scrimmage tonight. Led by eight kills from freshman Altrese Hawkins, the Gray squad edged the Blue 3-2.
After giving up a lead late in the fourth set, the Gray side broke an 11-11 tie with a Blue squad service error, a service ace from Sarah Chambers and a kill by Rebekah Strickland in successive serves. With a 14-11 cushion the Gray was able to hold off the Blue for a 15-13 win in the final set.
Former Tiger star Heather (Watts) Klepko dished out 32 assists and picked up nine digs for the Gray team. Volunteer assistant coach Jenn Miller added seven kills and a match-high tying 12 digs. Freshman Carolyn Baker pounded seven kills and made four blocks for the Gray squad. Baker finished the night with 13 kills overall after putting away six kills in the Blue uniform. Sophomore libero Becky Shaffer made nine digs for the Gray team. Katlin Inglish hammered nine kills on the night, including putting down six kills in three sets in a Gray team uniform.
Junior outside hitter Lauren Thompson led all players with 11 kills and was one dig shy of a double-double. Senior setter Laura Côté handed out a match-high 43 assists and made seven digs. Libero Christine Bach made 11 digs, while freshman Kelsey Knoche chipped in with 12 digs to lead all players on the Blue team. Sophomore Emily Underwood led the Blue defense at the net, making five blocks to go with eight kills. Strickland spent much of her night on the Blue side. She downed two kills for the Gray in the final set, but slammed eight kills in the first four frames with the Blue team.
Both offenses struggled in the match. The Gray side hit .060 for the match, while the Blue team hit .112. The two squads combined to commit 30 service errors (17 for the Blue and 13 for the Gray).
The Tigers will suit up for their season opening contest on Fri., Aug., 29 when they host Alabama A&M in the Memphis Invitational.
