The University of Memphis volleyball team will hope to continue their great start to the season when they face off against the East Carolina Pirates on Sunday at Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
The Tigers are currently 10-4 (1-0 American) as AAC play heads into full gear. Memphis most recently defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats (8-4, 0-1 American), on the road, in a thrilling five-set match on Wednesday (25-21, 25-23, 25-23, 25-21, 13-15).
Memphis initially had a 2-0 lead, but dropped the third and fourth sets, leading to the match-winning set. Though over the course of the match, the two teams were tied 35 times, 14 of those coming in the Bearcats’ third-set win (25-23). Tigers sophomore Oluchi Agomuo had 19 kills, adding 16 digs and two blocks in the win.
Volleyball coach April Jauregui said she was happy with her team’s resilience to win after blowing the 2-0 lead.
"I thought our team showed our team showed great resiliency," she said. "We did a good job executing our game plan and staying aggressive when the game got tight."
The Pirates finished the 2014 season with a 15-16 record (6-14 American). However, the road team won both matches between ECU and Memphis last season, and were also five-game sets victories for each, meaning the Tigers can’t underestimate the Pirates.
Though Jauregui said the American is a tough conference, and she expects more challenges like Wednesday.
"This was our first road win of the season," Jauregui said in a press release. "Cincinnati is a very good team. They are a young team and will only continue to improve. This conference is no joke. Every night will be a battle."
The Pirates (7-4, 0-0 American) and the Tigers will face off at Elma Roane Fieldhouse 1 p.m. Sunday, and admission to the match is free.
