Sept. 17, 2004

STRARKVILLE, Miss. -- - The University of Memphis volleyball team will play in its third weekend tournament in as many weeks as they are set to participate in the MSU/Microtel Classic hosted by Mississippi State. Memphis will play Louisiana Tech at 4:30 p.m. on Fri., Sept. 17, followed by a doubleheader against Eastern Kentucky and Mississippi State on Sat., Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. respectively.

The Tigers are excited about the tournament and look at it as a chance to set the tone for the remainder of the 2004 season.

"This tournament is a good opportunity for us to work on our team chemistry and strengthen our mental game" said junior middle hitter Fehi Tuivai.

Memphis comes into the Classic as losers of four of its last six, including a 3-1 loss at home to Arkansas State on Tuesday. The Tigers are led by seniors Tiara Gilkey and Heather Watts. Gilkey paces the team in kills (130) and digs (121), while Watts leads the team with 458 assists and is second on the team with 90 digs.

Louisiana Tech (3-5) has lost two straight matches, 3-0. The Lady Techsters are led offensively by Megan Rush's 90 kills and Joy Okpa's 88. Okpa and Rush also lead the team in digs with 57 and 41 each. Okpa has registered double digits in kills each of the last three matches.

Eastern Kentucky (8-1) has won eight consecutive after a season-opening loss to Kentucky. The Colonels have a pair of players that have over 100 kills. Lesley Aldridge has posted a team-high 184 kills, while Liz Guard has 123. Brittany Nobilio leads a group of four with at least 100 digs, with 201. Aldridge, Jessica Sabath and Kelly Jennings also have over 100 digs.

Mississippi State is 4-4 on the year and has lost each of their last three contests. Rachel Cooper paces the Bulldogs with 109 kills, while Ashley Sledge has posted 113 digs.