Sept. 22, 2011
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The University of Memphis volleyball team will look to get back on track this weekend when it plays host to ECU and Marshall at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. The Tigers face the Pirates Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. and the Thundering Herd Sunday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m.
The Tigers dropped a 3-0 decision to UAB on Tuesday in their Conference USA opener and will look to rebound with two victories this weekend. Junior Marija Jovanovic led the way for the Tigers in the match with 14 kills while fellow junior Altrese Hawkins recorded 10, moving her past current Tiger head coach April Jauregui and into 18th place all-time in the Memphis record books with 1,019 career putaways. Junior Vesna Jelic led the Tiger defense with 14 digs, but Memphis could not overcome 10 UAB team blocks, hitting just .104 in the match.
Friday's match vs. ECU is "Volleyball Alumni Night" as all alumni will receive free admission to the match.
Tiger Volleyball Alums are invited to join us starting at 6:15 PM for a Meet & Greet and tour of the new locker rooms. Volleyball Alumni in attendance will be honored between sets two and three and can stick around after the game for a post-game photo session with the team.
SPECIAL PARKING NOTICE:
Parking will be limited due to the Homecoming Parade, which is scheduled to get started at 5:30 p.m. and last until 6:30. The parade begins on Zach Curlin Dr. just outside the Elma Roane Fieldhouse, so traffic will be blocked from entering Zach Curlin Dr.
Alumni are encouraged to get to the facility prior to 5:30 to ensure as little trouble as possible with parking. However, if guests are unable to arrive early, it is recommended that they park in the Central or Southern parking lots, located on the North and South sides of campus, and walk to the Fieldhouse. For more information, please contact SID Preston McClellan at (901) 351-7322 or reach him via email at pmccllln@memphis.edu.
Scouting ECU
East Carolina brings a 2-8 record into Friday's match up, holding wins over Gardner-Webb (3-1) and UNC-Wilimington (3-1). The Pirates are currently on a three-game slide after dropping matches to Marshall (1-3), Central Michigan (1-3) and George Mason (0-3) last weekend.
Scouting Marshall
Marshall brings a 2-9 record into this weekend's contest with wins over Stetson (3-0) and C-USA foe ECU (3-1). After defeating the Pirates last Friday, Marshall dropped two straight to George Mason (1-3) and Central Michigan (0-3). The Herd is led by setter Sammie Bane, who has made 295 assists in 35 sets.
Grand Achievement
Hawkins Hawkins became the 21st person in Memphis Volleyball history to down 1,000 kills in her career. She picked up her 1000th in the first set against Howard and is now tied with Nancy Wolter with 1,009 career kills. Hawkins' 10 kills in the loss to UAB also vaulted her to 18th all time, passing current head coach April Jauregui.
Killing Machines
The Tigers are currently tops in C-USA in total kills in the 2011 season. Memphis has downed 672 kills (14.61 k/s) so far this year, which is 14 more than second-best Tulsa. Memphis is second behind UCF in kills per set with 14.39 k/s. The Tigers' 83 service aces and .291 hitting percentage are also best in Conference USA.
Preseason Power
The Tigers went 11-2 this preseason and have claimed tournament titles at the Memphis Invitational, SIU Saluki Invitational and UNCG Spartan Spiketacular, tying the mark from last season.
Great Starts
The Tigers' 11-2 start during the preseason is the program's best since 2006, when Memphis started the season 13-1.
Fab 50
With a 3-1 victory over Radford, Memphis head coach April Jauregui picked her 50th win at the helm of the program. She now ranks seventh on the all-time coaching wins list with 51, just two behind Jane Hooker (53).
Nation's Best
Junior Hajnalka Molnar currently leads the NCAA with an average of 12.48 assists per set this season. In all, she has registered 574 assists, including three double-doubles of assists and digs this season. The Tigers are fourth in the nation as a team in assists per set, averaging 13.86. UCF's Rachel Vukson is second in C-USA and the nation behind Molnar with 495 (12.38 a/s). Molnar is also second-best in the conference with an average of 0.43 service aces per set.
Conference Best
Hajnalka Molnar leads Conference USA in assists thus far this season. Molnar has registered 574 helpers (12.48 assists/set) through 13 games and has 52 more assists than the next best setter. Katie Meyer ranks second in hitting percentage, as the sophomore has been attacking at a .396 clip so far this season. Junior outside hitter Altrese Hawkins also comes in seoncd on the C-USA kills list with 191 in 2011. Hawkins' 27 kills in a 3-1 loss to Columbia are the second most in a single match so far this season.
