Sept. 23, 2002

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Sophomore setter Heather Watts (Salt Lake City, Utah/Skyline) was named the Conference USA Volleyball Co-Player of the week for the period ending Sept. 22, it was announced by the league office, Monday.

Watts, who was named the tournament MVP at the Boston College tournament, Saturday, guided Memphis to a 3-0 record for the weekend, averaging 13.40 assists per game in the three matches. Watts is the first Tiger to earn C-USA player of the week honors since now-student assistant coach Amie Hamilton earned similar honors Sept. 10th of last year. Watts' honor marks just the fifth time in school history that a Tiger volleyball player has earned a league player of the week honor. Hamilton, Becky Tigert, Monique Swaby and Liz Mullen also earned C-USA honors.

Watts, who is taking over the Memphis setting duties after playing as a defensive specialist last season, is currently third on the team in blocking (0.45/game) and second in digs (2.90/game). She has ranked among the top 10 in the conference in assists per game all season, and was as high as fourth in the league in assists as of last week's rankings. Watts is also tied for second on the team with 27 service aces.

The Tiger volleyball team returned home Monday and has a 12-4 overall mark. Memphis will have an eight-day break in their playing schedule before hosting UT-Martin, October 1st in the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. The Tigers then open their Conference USA schedule against Saint Louis at home Oct. 5th.