University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
9-6,1-1American
Wichita State
10-4,2-0American
Memphis Drops Conference Match to Wichita State
Sep 28, 2025 | Women's Volleyball
Memphis, Tenn. – Memphis (9-6, 1-1 American) dropped a three-set match to Wichita State (10-4, 2-0 American) on Sunday afternoon inside Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Wichita State opened the first set with a 4-0 run before Memphis settled in and traded points to even the frame at 15-15 behind kills from Brianna Washington, Zaniah Hoskins, Janyah Henderson and Riley McCloskey. The Shockers closed strong, using kills from McKenzie Jones, Brooklyn Leggett and Emerson Wilford to take the opening set, 25-19.
The second set followed a similar script. Memphis started with a 4-1 spurt, but Wichita State answered with a run to grab a 6-4 lead. The teams battled back and forth until an Allie Paulsen kill pushed the Shockers ahead. Memphis fought back with kills from Hoskins, Washington, and McCloskey, plus a block from Henderson and Hoskins, to tie the frame at 18-18. Wichita State responded with late kills from Wilford and Maddie Wilson to pull away for a 25-20 win.
The Shockers controlled the third set from the start, jumping out to a 6-3 lead and never trailing. Memphis stayed within striking distance with kills from Za'Niya Boyles, McCloskey, Hoskins and Washington, but Sydney Dunning tallied five kills in the frame to secure Wichita State's sweep, 25-22.
NOTABLES
- Memphis now sits at 1-1 through the first weekend of American Conference play for the second season in a row.
- The Tigers have failed to secure a victory over Wichita State in their last eight contests against the Shockers.
- The Tigers' 33 kills in the match are tied for the second-lowest total this season with a matchup against Ole Miss on Sept. 16.
- Memphis' season low came against Idaho State during the Denver Classic.
- Zaniah Hoskins led Memphis with nine kills in the match, also adding seven digs and two total blocks.
- Janyah Henderson had six total blocks in the match, her sixth match this season with at least six rejections at the net.
- Riley McCloskey had her second seven-kill performance of the year.
- Sydney Marshall dished out 22 assists in the match, giving her three-straight matches with at least 20 assists.
- Abigail Schlueter was Memphis' leader in digs with nine in the loss, giving her 193 on the season.
- The junior from Rock City, Illinois now has 998 career digs.
BUY TICKETS NOW
Season-ticket and single-game tickets for Tiger home games are available at THIS LINK. Kids aged 18 and under receive free general admission all season long.
UP NEXT
Memphis continues a four-match homestand on Wednesday to host Southern Illinois in nonconference action. This match will begin at 6:00 p.m. on ESPN+ with Tyler Springs on the call.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Volleyball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
