Thrilling Five-Set Showdown: Tigers Narrowly Fall to Tulsa – A Memorable Match for University of Memphis Athletics

Memphis, TN – In a thrilling match, Memphis faced off against Tulsa at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse, ultimately losing in five sets. The final score was 16-14 in the fifth set.

The game started strong, with both teams taking turns with the lead. Early on, Memphis struggled with attack errors, giving Tulsa a 14-9 advantage. However, Memphis fought back. Key players like Génesis Rodriguez and Jasmyn Tate pulled the team up with impressive kills, eventually closing the first set at 25-23.

In the second set, Memphis showcased their strength again. The team launched a 3-0 run, led by junior libero Abigail Schlueter, who delivered two aces. Despite some late challenges from Tulsa’s Olivia Vance and Kat Cooper, Memphis secured the second set 25-20.

Tulsa regrouped in the third set, with Eitler and Vance playing pivotal roles. They dominated, winning 25-16. The fourth set was tough for Memphis, as Tulsa raced ahead with a 4-0 run, ultimately taking the set 25-11 to tie the match.

In the crucial fifth set, the teams were neck-and-neck. Memphis gained a slight lead, reaching match point at 14-12. However, Tulsa came back strong, tying the set before winning with a final kill from Jill Hanson.

Key Performances:

• Zaniah Hoskins led Memphis with a double-double: 16 kills and 18 digs, marking a career-high for digs.
• Janyah Henderson and Génesis Rodriguez contributed nine kills each, with Rodriguez achieving season highs in kills and points.
• Setters Sydney Marshall and Maddy Bach both had strong performances, with Marshall recording 22 assists, tying her career best.

Memphis also had solid defense, recording 70 digs, matching their second-highest total for the season. Players like Abby Schlueter topped the charts with 23 digs, showcasing their determination.

As the season progresses, Memphis continues to develop their skills. They’ll face North Texas next on Sunday at 1 p.m., a matchup that fans are eagerly anticipating.

For more information about Memphis Tigers Volleyball, you can check their official website and social media channels at GoTigersGo.com.

Source link