East Carolina University
Memphis
Volleyball Suffers Sweep At Memphis
November 10, 2007 | Volleyball
Nov. 10, 2007
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The East Carolina volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Memphis inside the Elma Roane Fieldhouse Friday night. The Pirates fall to 15-15 on the season and 6-9 in conference play while the Tigers remained in contention for a first-round bye in the conference tournament, improving their record to 22-10 on the season and 11-4 in C-USA. It was the first time this season that ECU was swept in a conference match.
Memphis took charge early, racking up 10 straight points to begin game one. With the Tigers leading 26-12 late, the Pirates mounted a charge, pulling within 26-17 before the home team closed out the frame 30-20.
The second game remained close throughout until, with Memphis leading 15-14, it went on a 7-2 run to extend its advantage to 22-16. East Carolina responded, cutting the deficit to 26-25 before the Tigers were able to shut the door 30-27.
The third frame stayed tight until the Pirates were forced to call timeout with Memphis leading 16-13. The Tigers were not done, going on a 9-5 stretch to induce a second timeout from the ECU sideline. The Pirates then scored the next three points, which brought Memphis' first timeout but it was not enough as the Tigers eventually took the game 30-27 to close out the contest.
Senior Kelley Wernert provided the offense, notching 13 kills to extend her double-digit streak to 27 consecutive games. Sophomore Hannah Fenker dug up double-digits as well, contributing 10 of East Carolina's 30 digs. Freshman Katie Koop dished out 29 assists on the night.
Memphis out-hit the Pirates .298-.046 while recording more kills (43-34), assists (40-30), digs (40-30) and blocks (12-6).
ECU will close out the regular season with a Sunday matinee at UAB. The Pirates will clinch the seventh seed in the conference tournament with a win or a combination of Rice and SMU losses. All three teams are tied with 6-9 conference marks but East Carolina holds the head-to-head tiebreaker with both clubs.
