Memphis (10-15) played the UAB Blazers (8-14) in the Elma Roane Fieldhouse and lost in four sets Friday night, extending their losing streak to five and home losing streak to four games.
The first set was the time to set the tone for the Blazers, who got off to a 7-1 start after Memphis had a string of issues finishing attacks which caused a timeout. Following the timeout, the Tigers did break the rut, but UAB controlled the first set dominantly and won 25-14. The second set was a different story as the Tigers were able to grab the lead here and there, but they still struggled to have lasting momentum. The biggest lead of the set was five, and that ending up being the winning sum, 25-20 to give the Blazers a 2-0 lead going to a potential final 3rd set.
The third set saw Memphis take momentum. Abigail Schlueter was throwing herself all over the court to keep shots in, racking up a tied for game leading 16 digs. Zaniah Hoskins was the driving offensive force driving in 8 kills in this set alone, and after a comeback made things tense, Memphis closed it out 25-23 to stay in the match. The fourth set was the heartbreaker. Memphis held the lead for almost the entire set, and everyone in the building was starting to believe Memphis would tie it up 2-2. After a series of 1-point swings, it would be UAB’s Abby Jones who silenced the building and ended the game, ending the dream of a comeback for Coach Lindsay and the Tigers.
The biggest contributors for Memphis were Zaniah Hoskins with 18 kills and 19 points and Za’niya Boyles and Janyah Henderson who turned in 9 and 8 kills respectively. The Tigers look to end the losing streak their next time out this Friday when they visit North Texas to try to pick up their second conference win this season. That game will be available to watch on ESPN+ at 6p.m.
