Memphis Tigers News Archives

September 2004

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09/30/04		Memphis Intercollegiate Program Now Available Online -- Men's Golf Fans Can Download Program in PDF Format for Next Week's Memphis Intercollegiate (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, Tenn. - The men's golf team will host the Memphis Intercollegiate next Monday and Tuesday, October 4-5 at the Colonial Country Club South Course. A program for this 16-team tournament can be downloaded in PDF format below. Download Memphis Intercollegiate Program in PDF Format.

09/30/04		Tiger Rifle off to One of Best Starts Ever -- Junior Beth Tidmore leads the Ole Miss Open in air rifle (GoTigersGo.com)
		Oxford, Miss. - Junior Beth Tidmore shot a 588 in air rifle and 572 in smallbore at the Patricia C. Lamar National Guard Readiness Center over the weekend at the annual Ole Miss Fall Rifle Invitational. Tidmore ranks ninth in smallbore and leads the way in air rifle after three days of action. Sophomore Katie Benjamin ranks fifth in air rifle after totaling a 585, and also ranks eighth in smallbore with a 572. Sophomore Brian Phillips also placed in the top 10 in smallbore, turning in a 573, which was good for sixth and a personal best. In her first collegiate match, freshman Krissey Bahnsen placed 11th in air rifle with a 578, and 26th in smallbore with a 547. In their best start in the program's history, the Tigers are in second in air (2321) and third in smallbore (2264). Jacksonville State leads the way in smallbore with a 2316 team score and in air rifle with a score of 2326. Host Ole Miss is in second in smallbore with a 2287. Memphis (co-ed), Jacksonville State (co-ed), UTEP (all women), TCU (all women) were the collegiate teams on hand for the first weekend of competition. Birmingham Southern and Mercer are slated to shoot this weekend before final team scores are tabulated on Sunday. Joseph Hall of Jacksonville State leads the smallbore field through the first weekend after firing a 593.

09/30/04		Volleyball Set to Host Saint Louis in C-USA Opener -- Tigers to kick off athletics-filled Homecoming weekend (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Match: The University of Memphis (15-4) will open its Conference USA season on Friday night when the Tigers host the Saint Louis Billikens. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. Memphis brings a season-long, eight-match winning streak into the contest, while SLU has won four of its last five. Detour: Due to the Homecoming parade that will be taking place at 5:30 p.m., all Tiger volleyball fans are urged to take Goodlett to Central then Zach Curlin as an alternate route to the Fieldhouse. The Series: Saint Louis leads the all-time series 14-11. However, the Tigers swept the Billikens 3-0 in last year's meeting in Saint Louis. The series dates back to the 1980 season. Before last season's win, the Tigers had not beaten SLU since a 3-0 win in 1994. Last Week: Memphis completed a perfect 5-0 week by taking home the UNC-Greensboro Invitational Tournament championship. The Tigers defeated Florida Atlantic (3-1) and UNC-Asheville (3-1) on Friday, before returning on Saturday to sweep Morgan State and outlast host UNC-Greensboro. Senior setter Heather Watts put up stellar numbers in the tournament on her way to earning the Tournament's MVP honors. It was the second time this season that Watts has received tournament MVP recognition. Senior Tiara Gilkey was named to the All-tournament Team after hitting .350 or better in all five contests and had match-high kill totals against Davidson (15), UNCA (26), Morgan State (12) and UNCG (17). Women of Honor: Memphis seniors Heather Watts and Tiara Gilkey have shown outstanding leadership on the court this season and have put up multiple performances worthy of recognition. For the second consecutive week, the duo garnered recognition in the C-USA weekly awards. Watts was named the league's Setter of the Week for the third time in four weeks, while Gilkey earned co-Player of the Week acknowledgment. For the week, Gilkey hit a blistering .446, while downing a team-high 86 kills. The senior outside hitter put up double-doubles in each of the four UNCG Tournament matches. She put down a season-high 26 kills and hit a scorching .525 in the 3-1 win over UNCA. Watts earned her second tournament MVP honor last week after guiding Memphis to a 4-0 record. Watts set the Tiger offense with an average of 14.83 assists per game and posted match highs in all five contests. Scouting the Billikens: Saint Louis comes into the C-USA opener winners of four of their last five matches. The Billikens are led by junior middle hitter Aida Antanaviciute, who leads the league with 44 kills, 6.25 kills per game and 382 points. The junior middle has posted 30-kill performances three times this season, including a C-USA-high 39 kills against Indiana State on Sept. 1. She also downed 32 kills against Oregon State and Illinois State. The Billikens bring an even 8-8 record to the match after losing to Illinois State 3-2 on Tuesday. However, prior to the loss, SLU had put together and impressive four-match win streak that earned them the Fairfield Invitational Tournament title over the weekend. Led by Antanaviciute, SLU also has three other players that have slammed at least 100 kills in Lauren Boissevain (137), Sutton (133) and Jessica Poorbaugh (107). What's Next? The Tigers will head South for a pair of league contests against Southern Miss on Oct. 8, and Tulane on the ninth. Both matches are set for 7 p.m. starts. After the Saint Louis match, the Tigers will not return home until Oct. 15 when they host East Carolina and Charlotte on Oct. 16 in a two match homestand.

09/30/04		Notebook: Wimprine feeling confident about recent play (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact September 30, 2004 He has 8,555 passing yards in his University of Memphis career and ranks among the nation's active leaders in career touchdown passes (67). He is fourth nationally in total offense at 322.8 yards per game. And when the Tigers play host to the University of Houston Saturday at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, U of M quarterback Danny Wimprine will be facing a Cougar team that he threw three touchdowns against last year in a 45-14 victory. Wimprine connected on TD passes of 9 and 55 yards to Maurice Avery and of 36 yards to Mario Pratcher. Entering Saturday's homecoming game, Wimprine has completed 48 of his last 84 passes for 703 yards and five touchdowns. ''To tell you the truth I feel pretty good,'' Wimprine said. ''When I get out there I'm recognizing things. I think I'm getting a lot better.'' BRIEFLY Tiger kicker Stephen Gostkowski ranks first in C-USA in scoring among kickers (10.8 points per game) and first in PAT kicking (16-of- 16). He's second in three other categories. ... Houston quarterback Kevin Kolb was intercepted only six times in 360 pass attempts last season. Through four games this season, he's been picked off only twice in 116 attempts. -- Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543

09/30/04		Sticking to her goal: Freshman shuts out foes and distractions (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact September 30, 2004 She watches, but not because the programing is overwhelmingly entertaining. Because it's not. It's mostly boring stuff, update after update of pollen counts and UV indexes and other things only a meteorologist could truly appreciate. Still, Natalie Haerens tunes into The Weather Channel every night without exception. As the University of Memphis ' keeper sits, she crosses her fingers and hopes to go 10 minutes without seeing another story about another hurricane. ''It's hard not being back home and knowing what's going on,'' said Haerens, of Lake Mary, Fla. ''But I haven't let that affect how I play. Once I step on the field, it's just soccer.'' And shutouts. That's what Haerens forgot to add to the end of her statement. Once she steps on the field, it's just soccer and shutouts, or at least that way half the time. A true freshman from what is now widely considered Hurricane Central, Haerens has started eight matches this season. Four of the those have produced shutouts, and helped the Lady Tigers to a 7-2 start. That record is the best in the history of the program. It garnered a regional ranking in the Soccer Buzz poll released Tuesday. ''Sometimes freshmen come in just inexperienced, but Natalie has showed pose and composure,'' said Monica Powell, a senior forward. ''She's like our quarterback of soccer back there. We depend on her to distribute the ball and to save us. And so far, she's saving us. She's doing pretty well, and it's impressive.'' What's really impressive is how Haerens has juggled the demands of her first year of college and soccer with real life disasters back home. Thanks to Frances, Ivan, Jeanne and the whole bunch, this has been a troubling semester, one that works on the mind and can take a mental toll. Haerens's parents' yard has trees down. Her sister's house has damage. And her high school coach's home, well, ''a tree actually crashed through it,'' Haerens said. ''It's been pretty bad. This is the craziest hurricane season ever,'' she added. ''To have so many come through Florida with the strength that they're at, it's very strange. Hopefully they're all over.'' In a similar manner to the way the folks in Florida had no idea what this fall was bringing in terms of weather, Haerens also didn't in regards to her freshman season. Granted, she was a prep standout in the Orlando area and part of Florida's Olympic Development program. But would that translate into immediate playing time? Would it even get her on the field? In a tight preseason battle with redshirt freshman Isabel Briones, Haerens wasn't certain of anything, except for the first couple of matches. ''I knew I would start the first two because of an issue with the other keeper,'' she said in reference to Briones's suspension for the first two games of the season. ''But I wasn't sure what would happen after that. ''Now, we find out who is starting before each game,'' Haerens said. ''So every game it is a surprise.'' Maybe. But because Memphis coach Brooks Monaghan isn't the type to go against trends -- isn't into fixing what's not broken -- it'll be a surprise if Haerens isn't in goal until the Lady Tigers' good fortunes change. In other words, she'll likely get the start Friday against TCU, especially coming off a shutout of Evansville. If she's again as good as she's been, Memphis will improve to 2-0 in Conference USA. ''Natalie's done a great job,'' Monaghan said. ''I give her tons of credit. She's really been great.'' -- Gary Parrish: 529-2365

09/30/04		Five questions with Anthony Rice, senior basketball player (Commercial Appeal)
		Q: You look bigger. How much muscle have you added this offseason? A: About 10 or 12 pounds. Q: Meanwhile, the team has added some talent. How good can you guys be? A: We've got a chance to be a Final Four team. We've got a great opportunity to go far, farther than we did last year. Q: What about the new guys? How are they adjusting to college life? A: They've been good. The freshmen are coming along, and they're handling everything pretty well. And I think everybody's improving in workouts. Q: Who is going to be the one new guy that blows fans away? A: Either Darius Washington or Richard Dorsey. They're both physically ready for the college game already. Q: Midnight Madness is two weeks away at FedExForum. Are you looking forward to it? A: I'm ready to get going, really ready to start practicing. But we're taking it slow. We're not getting too anxious. -- Gary Parrish

09/30/04		Upcoming Tigers events (Commercial Appeal)
		friday Women's golf: at UK/Wildcat Fall Invitational Women's soccer: at TCU, 4 p.m. Men's tennis: at ITA All-American Pre-Qualifier (Chattanooga) Volleyball: SAINT LOUIS, 7 p.m. saturday Football: HOUSTON, 1 p.m. Women's golf: at UK/Wildcat Fall Invitational Men's soccer: MARQUETTE, 7 p.m. (Mike Rose Soccer Complex) Men's tennis: at ITA All-American Pre-Qualifier sunday Women's golf: at UK/Wildcat Fall Invitational Rifle: TIGER OPEN Women's soccer: at Houston, 1 p.m. MONDAY Men's golf: MEMPHIS INTERCOLLEGIATE (at Colonial Country Club) Men's tennis: at ITA All-American Qualifier WEDNESDAY Men's soccer: LOUISVILLE, 7 p.m. (Mike Rose Soccer Complex) OCT. 7 Men's tennis: at ITA All-American -- home events in ALL CAPS

09/30/04		Campus notebook (football, soccer, basketball, golf) (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact September 30, 2004 Ex-linebacker Hogans brings strength to basketball team The University of Memphis has hired Rock Oliver's replacement. He is a former Tiger football player, one whose name fans might recognize. ''It's like being back home,'' said Richard Hogans, NFL linebacker turned director of performance enhancement at his alma mater. ''I'm really excited to be back.'' Hogans starred for the Tigers from 1993-96 and was a first-team All-Conference USA performer as a senior. From there, he was selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 1997 NFL Draft. For the past few years, Hogans has worked at Desoto Athletic Club in Southaven as a personal trainer. Now he's back at Memphis with the primary job of getting John Calipari's basketball team in proper condition to succeed in Conference USA. ''Stronger, faster, quicker and tougher,'' Hogans answered when asked for a list of things he'd like to see his players become. ''They're not where I want them to be, but they're getting there. And with it being this close to preseason, we've got to hump it. But they're all working really hard because they all want it.'' McLeod may redshirt Back in the spring, Lady Tiger soccer players Shoko Mikami and Nicky McLeod each suffered torn ACLs. ''It happened on the same day within one hour of each other,'' said Memphis coach Brooks Monaghan. ''It was my worst day as a coach, ever.'' Both Lady Tiger standouts are now mostly healed following surgery. Mikami even played Sunday in a 1-0 victory over Evansville. Still, McLeod may take a medical redshirt instead of wasting half her junior season. A final decision should come within days. ''She's doing really well, but her strengths are strength and endurance, which are kind of the last things to come back from an injury like that,'' Monaghan said. ''Nicky is the type who, for as long as I coach, I would like to have a player like her on my team. So we're really between a rock and a hard place, because should we be bring her back (this year) or redshirt her and have her for two more years? That's what we're going to have to decide.'' Finch Center taking shape The new weight room adjacent to the court at the Finch Center is now complete, as is the player's lounge, which will be impressive to any recruit. Inside the spacious room for basketball players sits leather couches and recliners, a table for cards and a big-screen TV. The idea is to give the Tigers a place to hang out on campus, together as a team. ''I love it,'' said Hogans, whose office has a window with a view of the lounge. ''This whole facility is unbelievable.'' National exposure One of the interesting things about the Tigers' basketball game with Louisville on Feb. 26 is that ESPN's "College GameDay" crew will be in town broadcasting live from FedExForum from morning until the 8 p.m. tipoff. This is the first year ESPN is taking a Gameday basketball crew on the road, a move presumably made because of the success of the GameDay football crew that features Chris Fowler, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit. BRIEFLY The Memphis women's golf team will compete in the Kentucky Wildcat Fall Invitational, beginning Friday. It's the Lady Tigers' second tournament of the season after placing 10th in the first. ''This team is only going to get better,'' said coach Jenny Bruun. "After getting through the first tournament jitters, the girls are improving daily.'' ... The Memphis volleyball team will go for its ninth straight win Friday when it hosts Saint Louis at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. The match opens Conference USA play for Memphis, which is now 15-4. Last season, the Lady Tigers finished with a 9-4 league mark, good enough for a tie for fourth.

09/30/04		Athletes of the Week (Dayton O'Brien-soccer, Daniele Riendeau-cross country) (Commercial Appeal)
		Dayton O'Brien Junior soccer player O'Brien had two assists and the game-winning goal against Charlotte last Saturday to lead the Tigers to a 3-1 victory. Heading into Wednesday night's match at Cincinnati, the Evangelical Christian School graduate had three goals and seven assists on the season. Daniele Riendeau Sophomore cross country runner Riendeau clocked her second consecutive career-best performance last Saturday when she ran 5,000 meters in a time of 18 minutes, 30 seconds. That effort led the Lady Tigers at the UALR Open in Little Rock and was good for a third-place finish overall.

09/30/04		Confident volleyball team rides hot streak into Conference USA opener (Daily Helmsman)
		Matthew Laurie Sports Reporter September 30, 2004 In this the final year of the current Conference USA , The University of Memphis women's volleyball team wants to make its mark. "We're not the underdog anymore," said senior outside hitter Tiara Gilkey. "Now we're one of those big teams." After a promising pre-conference season in which they posted the second best winning percentage in the league, the Tigers will begin conference play Friday when they host the St. Louis Billikens and co-player of the week Aida Antanviciute. "Being 15-4 (so far) is a great confidence builder and it has given us an opportunity to play our entire team and gain experience for the younger kids that we definitely have used and will use," said head coach Carrie Yerty. They'll need that experience to defeat St. Louis, which holds a 8-2 record over Yerty's Tigers since 1996. The Billikens' historical success may be the only thing going for them; the Tigers have been playing exceptionally. On an eight-game winning streak, the team has posted stellar numbers over the past two weeks, blowing out the competition 28-6. During that stretch, members Tiara Gilkey and Heather Watts have won five of the nine awards given out to conference players. Gilkey has already won C-USA Player of the Week twice and has been named MVP of the MSU/Microtel Classic. During the recent UNC-Greensboro Invitational, she posted a .446 hitting percentage and a team-high 86 kills. Watts, a senior setter, has earned three of the first four Setter of the Week awards. However, Watts did not expect the accolades. "I was surprised," said Watts. "There are tons of good setters in our conference." The fact is there are a lot of good teams in Conference USA, so improving on last season's fourth place finish could be a chore. The Tigers finished with a 30-6 record last season, yet were picked to finish sixth this year in the coach's preseason poll. Those 30 wins marked only the second time in conference history that a team has reached the mark, making the sixth-place preseason ranking more surprising. "I don't think the coaches poll is indicative of conference placement top to bottom," said Yerty, who is entering her ninth year as coach of the Tigers. "Last year we were picked 13th (in the poll) and then we played for the conference championship." The team that beat the Tigers in the championship last November - Louisville -is again the favorite to win it all. The Cardinals, who are currently ranked 21st in the nation and led by first team All-conference Lena Ustymenko, hope to repeat as conference tournament champions this year, a feat that hasnít been duplicated in eight years. UL also won a piece of the regular season title, sharing the honor with Cincinnati, a team with a disappointing pre-conference record of 6-6. It's up to Gilkey and Watts to lead The U of M to the Conference USA promised land. The four years they have spent together playing Memphis volleyball will certainly give them an edge and the confidence to carry the team. "We've always been a confident team," said Gilkey. "We always try to pick each other up at all times. We know each other well on the court." Coach Yerty wants her players to not only know each other on the court but the importance of defending the court itself. "I think it's critical that when you play at home you win your home matches, and you (break even) on the road if you're going to be one of the top teams in the conference. "We've gotten better every time we've played, but I still don't think we've shown our best. We also understand that when conference starts your back at ground zero and everybody's fighting."

09/29/04		Strong Team Defense Shuts Down Cincinnati 2-0 -- Tigers begin conference play 2-0 for first time ever (GoTigersGo.com)
		Cincinnati, Ohio - Using two first half goals, the University of Memphis men's soccer team shutout the University of Cincinnati 2-0 on Wednesday. The Tigers begin conference play 2-0-0 for the first time ever as a Member of Conference USA and are 6-2-0. Both wins have come on the road. Memphis also breaks up a three-game losing streak against the Bearcats (2-6-0, 1-1-0). "It's a great feeling to have this win," said senior midfielder Daniel Dobson. "This is the first time any of these guys on the team have beat Cincinnati." Two minutes into the game, junior forward Andy Metcalf put the Tigers up 1-0 with a breakaway goal off a pass from Dobson. The goal is Metcalf's team leading fourth of the year. The Preseason All-Conference USA selection now has nine points. "It's always great to get an early lead," said head coach Richie Grant. "We had a great tempo in the early half and the win is a fair award for our team." Memphis then went up 2-0 with an unassisted header off of Dobson. The goal began with a throw in by senior defender Justin Dyer to the goal area and bounced off a Cincinnati defender before being knocked in by Dobson for his second goal of the season. Dobson finished with three points in the game and now has eight on the year. The Memphis defense held UC to only two shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Sebastian Vecchio earned his second shutout of the season, matching his total for the season last year. "The team defending was outstanding tonight," Grant said. "It really wasn't a night to pick an individual as the difference maker. All of our defenders got behind the ball, and everybody did their jobs tonight. If you're going to win at Cincinnati, you're going to need to be able to do that." The Tigers return home to take on Marquette at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets for the game are 2 p.m. for adults and free for children under 18 and students with an ID card.

09/29/04		Lady Tigers to Compete in Kentucky Wildcat Invitational -- Eleven schools participating in event (GoTigersGo.com)
		With a tournament under its belt, the University of Memphis women's golf team heads to Kentucky to compete in the Kentucky Wildcat Fall Invitational beginning Friday. The Lady Tigers compete in the tournament hosted by the University of Kentucky after taking 10th at the Ann Rhoads Intercollegiate in September. After placing 17th in Alabama, junior Stacey Tate will once again enter the tournament in the No. 1 spot for Memphis. "This team is only going to get better," said Memphis head coach Jenny Bruun. "After getting through the first tournament jitters, the girls are improving daily. They are becoming more comfortable with the program, with school and with each other. We've had some intense qualifying rounds getting ready for this tournament, and I expect good results from our girls this week." No changes will be made to the U of M lineup used at the Ann Rhoads Intercollegiate with Meghan Mahoney, Stacey O'Rourke, Bernie Rosero and Ashleigh Garman rounding out the Lady Tiger five. At Alabama, the Memphis five shot a combined 309 in the second round of the tournament. Last year the lowest round finish was 318. The Tigers will face some tough competition at Kentucky. Besides the tournament host, the schools competing in the tournament are Mississippi State, Boston College, Eastern Kentucky, Florida Southern, Marshall, Murray State, Miami, Richland and Western Ohio. "We feel like we have one of the most talented teams in the tournament, if we can just play to our potential," Bruun said. The Lady Tigers will play their first round on Friday with a second round on Saturday and the final round on Sunday.

09/29/04		Tigers Take Three-Game Winning Streak to Texas for Pair of Conference Games -- Regionally Ranked Tigers Take on TCU and Houston This Weekend (GoTigersGo.com)
		Tigers Take Three-Game Winning Streak to Texas for Pair of Conference Games Friday, October 1, at TCU, 4:00 p.m. Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium (1,500), Fort Worth, Texas Sunday, October 3, at Houston, 1:00 p.m. John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium (32,000), Houston, Texas This Week: Riding a three-game winning streak, the Tigers head to the State of Texas to take on a pair of conference foes in the first full weekend of conference play for them. On Friday, Memphis will take on TCU at 4:00 p.m. and the trip then wraps up with a 1:00 p.m. game at Houston on Sunday. Looking Ahead: The Tigers will return home next weekend and continue conference play with a pair of games against the two North Carolina teams. They will take on Charlotte at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 8 and East Carolina at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 10. Scouting TCU: The Horned Frogs enter Friday night's game with a 3-6-0 overall record and a 1-1-0 mark in Conference USA play after splitting a pair of games this past weekend. TCU, which has not played a home match since September 5, defeated Southern Miss at Hattiesburg 2-1 on Friday and then dropped a 4-1 decision at Tulane on Sunday. TCU has been outscored by a 25-12 margin on the season and currently has a goals against average of 2.78. Jessi Moore leads the Horned Frog offense with six goals and three assists for 15 points. The next highest point total on the Horned Frogs team is just five. Scouting Houston: The Cougars enter Friday night's game against Saint Louis with a 4-6-0 record and a 1-1-0 record in C-USA after also splitting its matches this past weekend against Tulane and Southern Miss. The Cougars lost to Tulane 1-0 on Friday and then downed the Golden Eagles 1-0 on Sunday. The biggest offensive threat for Houston is Nikki Hawkins, who leads the team and conference with 10 goals and 24 points. Both Chelsea Davis and Sarah Fisher have four goal apiece. The Cougars are outscoring their opponents by a 27-18 margin. The Coaches: Brooks Monaghan (Memphis, 1994) is in his fifth year as head coach of the Lady Tigers. He holds a career record of 35-45-5 during his time with the Tigers. Prior to becoming the head coach, he served as the goalkeepers coach for the Lady Tigers from 1996-99. He has been a part of the Lady Tiger program for all but one year of its existence, that being the first year of the program in 1995. Under his guidance in his first year as goalkeepers coach, the team's gaa dropped by nearly an entire goal, from 2.74 to 1.77. Monaghan is the all-time leader in shutouts (24) and goals against average (1.40) for the Memphis men's soccer program, which he played for from 1992-94. David Rubinson (TCU, 1977) is in his 18th year as a head coach, all coming at TCU, where has been the coach since beginning the program in 1986. He holds a career record of 148-184-22. He led the Horned Frogs to a second-place finish in C-USA during the regular season last year. Bill Solberg (Marquette, 1997) is in his fifth season at the helm of the Houston women's soccer program, where he holds a career record of 32-45-7. He was an assistant coach with the Cougars for a single season before taking over the head reigns. He has helped lead the Cougars to the C-USA Tournament in four of his five years with the program. UM All-Time vs. TCU: Memphis is 2-1 against the Horned Frogs in the teams' all-time series. They have played each year from 2001-03 since TCU joined the conference. The Tigers dropped a 2-1 decision last year in Fort Worth in their season finale and defeated TCU 4-0 and 1-0 in 2002 and 2001, respectively. UM All-Time vs. Houston: Memphis will be seeking its first win ever against Houston as the Tigers are 0-6 all-time against the Cougars. Memphis has lost to Houston in each of the past six seasons dating back to 1998. The last three losses have come by one goal. Tigers Knock Off One More NCAA Participant: Memphis made its first of two games this year against an NCAA Tournament participant from last year count with a 1-0 win over Ole Miss back on August 31. The Tigers made the second game count as well as they knocked off defending Conference USA tournament champion DePaul 2-1 on Friday night in their conference opener. The Tigers' next game of significance concerning accomplishments of last year will come on October 17 when they face last season's C-USA regular season champion UAB. Cheek on Fire: Sophomore forward Madison Cheek put together a brief but still impressive streak over the last week. She scored three straight Memphis goals over a period of two games. Against Drury on September 17, she scored the only Tiger goal in a 1-0 win and then she netted both goals in the 2-1 win over DePaul this past Friday. The streak was broken when Mary Shelton scored the lone Memphis goal against Evansville on Sunday. Cheek now has five goals on the year to lead the team after scoring just one her freshman year. Tigers Surpass 2003 Win Total: With the win over DePaul on Friday night, the Tigers surpassed their five wins from last season with their sixth of the year in just their eighth game. With at least three more wins this year, Memphis will set a school record for the biggest increase in wins from one year to the next. Their previous best improvement was from 2001 to 2002 when they won five games in `01 and then nine in `02. Another Eye-Opener: The win over DePaul on Friday night marked only the second time in program history that the Tigers have won their conference opener. The only other time they did that was in 1996 when they defeated Tulane 2-0. Last year, they tied Louisville in their C-USA opener. Successful September: The Tigers wrapped up the month of September with a 7-2 record, by far their best start ever in program history through the end of August and September. The program's previous best start through the end of September in terms of win total was in the 200 campaign when they went 6-5 in August and September. Shutouts Keep Coming: The Tigers recorded their fifth shutout of the year with a 1-0 win over Evansville on Friday night. Memphis has recorded at least one shutout in four of the five weekends out of the season to this point. They also recorded a midweek shutout. Defense Continues to Shine: Exception defense is needed for shutouts and the Tigers have gotten no less than that for most of this year. Expected to be a strong point on the team this year, the Memphis defense has allowed just six goals in nine games to start the season, which equals out to a 0.67 goals against average. If this pace can be maintained through the rest of the season, it would far surpass last year's final team gaa of 1.60 and would also break the school record of 1.43. First Half Wall: In its nine games this year, Memphis has allowed just two goals in the first half, both coming in a loss to Mississippi State on September 14. In the first half of games this year, the Tigers have a microscopic 0.22 goals against average. Iron Women: With the season nine games old, there have been only eight players that have played in every game so far and only three of those, Carla Scanniello, Melissa Savage, and Leanne McGee have started every game. Samford Game Postponed: Memphis's scheduled game with Samford on September 19 was postponed indefinitely due to Hurricane Ivan. Samford, located in Birmingham, Ala., shut down its campus and postponed all athletic events through Sunday. If it is made up, it will be played at the end of October. Haerens Wins Second Straight C-USA Defensive Player of the Week Award: Freshman goalkeeper Natalie Haerens was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week for the second straight week on September 13 after recorded another shutout in the win over Tennessee Tech and allowing just one goal in a win at Tennessee-Martin. With her second award, she has now been awarded as many C-USA Defensive Player of the Week awards as had previously been awarded to all Memphis individuals in program history. There had been just two other Defensive POW award winners in Memphis history. Briones Debuts: Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Isabel Briones made her Memphis debut with a scoreless second half of action against Mississippi State on September 14 after relieving starter Natalie Haerens. She then became the second freshman this year to record a shutout in her first career start when she made four saves to shut out Drury on Friday. Another First: Sophomore Beth Keating became the second Memphis returnee to score her first career goal this year when she opened the scoring against Tennessee-Martin on September 8 in a 2-1 Memphis win. She joins senior Susannah Dawells, who scored her first career goal against Middle Tennessee State on September 5. Tigers Regain Upper Hand vs. Ole Miss: With a 1-0 win over Ole Miss on August 31, the Tigers successfully avenged their worst loss of last season and also defeated the Rebels for the first time since 2001. Ole Miss, which returned most of its team from last season's squad the won the SEC West and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament, was ranked #8 in the Central Region by Soccer Buzz and received votes in the preseason top 25 NSCAA poll. Memphis Breaks Ole Miss Streak: The win over Ole Miss also ended a streak. The Rebels had won 16 straight non-conference game at home and had not lost in their last 22 non-conference games at home, winning 21 and tying one. Their last lost at home prior to Tuesday night was against San Diego State in 1999. Home, Sweet Home: This season will see a bit of a change as far as playing facilities go, as the Tigers will play all of their home games at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex after only playing conference games there the past two years. Throughout the history of the program, the Lady Tigers have a substantially better record at home than on the road. UM is 47-40-5 all-time at home but only 20-62-3 on the road. On neutral fields, the Tigers are 2-4-1, but have played just one match on a neutral field since 1997. Drawing First Blood: The Lady Tigers were more successful last year when they scored first. Out of their 18 games, they scored first in eight of them, while their opponent drew first blood in nine of them. In the eight games in which they scored first, they went 4-2-2 but only went 1-8-0 when their opponent scored first. This year, the Tigers have scored first in eight of their nine games and are 7-1-0 in those games, and 0-1-0 when their opponent scores first. Leading at Halftime is Better: The Tigers led at halftime in just four games last year but not surprisingly, they went 4-0-0 in those games. When trailing at the half, their record was an opposite 0-4-0. When tied at the half, they went just 1-6-3. This year, the Tigers are 5-1 when leading at the half, 0-1 w hen trailing at the half, and 2-0 when tied at the half. Foreign Presence: This year's team will have a diverse ethnic makeup as nearly half (40 percent) of the team is made up of foreign players. The Tigers have six natives of England, one native of Sweden, two players from Japan, and one from Canada, in addition to the 15 players from the U.S. In addition to the foreign presence, the Tigers also have representatives from 12 different states on the team. Each of those 12 states has only one representative except for Tennessee, which has four natives on the Tigers. Recruits Ranked by Soccer Buzz: This year's freshman class has been ranked the 23rd best recruiting class in the Central Region by Soccer Buzz. This is the second straight year that the Lady Tiger recruiting class has been ranked in the regional rankings by the online publication, as last season's freshman class was ranked 11th in the region and was also in the upper half of the national top 100 classes, coming in at 46. Memphis's freshman class is the second-highest rated class in Conference USA in the Central Region, coming in just behind Houston, which came in 22nd. Captains Named: Head coach Brooks Monaghan has named seniors Susannah Dawells and Mary Shelton co-captains for the 2004 season. Dawells has started 26 of the 51 games she has appeared in during her three years at Memphis while recording five career assists from her midfield position. Shelton is entering her third season as a captain, having been named one prior to the 2002 season. She has been a model of consistency during her three years at Memphis, as she has started 55 of 56 career games. She has scored four career goals from her defender position and will anchor what is expected to be a strong defensive backfield for the Tigers this year.

09/29/04		Calipari scores top point guard -- 6-5 prospect commits before seeing school (Commercial Appeal)
		By Gary Parrish Contact September 29, 2004 Some prospects need to take visits and see the sights and hear all the pitches before they can make a decision on college. And then there's Chris Douglas-Roberts, who still believes in love at first sight. ''I met coach (John) Calipari, and I just fell in love with him,'' said the 6-5 point guard from Detroit. ''I know people say you're not supposed to go to a school because of the coach. But I am. I'm going to school because of Coach Calipari. ''I'm going to be a Memphis Tiger.'' The fifth-best prospect at his position according to TheInsiders.com, Douglas-Roberts verbally committed to the U of M Tuesday night, just a few weeks after hosting Calipari and assistant Derek Kellogg in his home. Following that meeting, Douglas-Roberts immediately began listing Memphis among his leaders, along with Miami and Arizona. Now, he's ended his recruiting process without ever stepping on the U of M campus. That part of the process will come Friday, by the way, when Douglas-Roberts, who averaged 32 points per game last year, spends the weekend in town on his official visit. ''I'm excited,'' he said. ''I've already fallen in love with the coach. Now I'm coming to fall in love with the city and the school and my teammates.'' Douglas-Roberts's pledge to the program means the Tigers have five commitments for the Class of 2005, and are finished recruiting point guards. Memphis will pursue a big man with the final scholarship it's likely to offer early. If the U of M staff has its way, that grant will go to Shawn Taggart, a 6-10 power forward from Richmond, Va., who has visited twice and continues to list the Tigers among his leaders. With or without Taggart, the class -- which, in addition to Douglas-Roberts, features 6-8 wing Shawne Williams, 6-4 combo guard Antonio Anderson, 6-8 wing Robert Dozier and 6-11 wing Ricky Sanchez -- will rank among the nation's best. Why? Because it already features five guys considered consensus Top 100 prospects who could conceivably be on the floor at the same, a fact not lost on the latest member. ''With me and Shawne Williams and Antonio and maybe Darius Washington, if he's still there, we're going to be loaded,'' Douglas-Roberts said. ''We're going to have an opportunity to compete for a national championship. And that's my whole point in coming to Memphis, to have the opportunity to compete for a national championship.''

09/29/04		In the (end) zone -- Tiger senior Gideon receives attention when goal line near (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact September 29, 2004 The situation was strikingly similar to the week before. When University of Memphis receiver Tavares Gideon caught a quick pass on a slant route inside the UAB 10-yard line last weekend in Birmingham he cradled the ball against his upper body and backed powerfully into the end zone. The fourth-quarter TD trimmed UAB's lead to two points -- 21-19 -- and kept the Tigers' comeback hopes alive. A week earlier at Arkansas State, Gideon caught a quick toss from quarterback Danny Wimprine -- also on a slant route inside the 10 -- and backpedaled powerfully into the end zone. The fourth-quarter TD trimmed ASU's lead to two points -- 35-33 -- and triggered an onslaught of 21 points in a 1:45 span to lift the Tigers past the Indians. In each of those games Gideon, a senior from Greenwood, Miss., also scored on fade routes. As the Tigers (3-1) prepare for Saturday's Conference USA game against Houston (1-3) at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Gideon finds himself the scoring threat he was two years ago. Gideon sat out last season while recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, an injury he suffered during a summer workout. Through four games this season he has been making life difficult for opposing defensive backs, many of whom lack the strength and height to contend with Gideon. ''He's always been the type of guy that's extremely talented in the red zone,'' said receivers coach Clay Helton of Gideon's effectiveness inside the opponent's 20. ''When we get in the red zone we see a lot of man coverage and that's what he's built for.'' Gideon, 6-4 and 215 pounds, has scored four TDs in the team's past two games and has five for the season. Each of the five TDs has come inside the red zone. Gideon, who came to the Tigers two years ago as a junior college transfer from Mississippi Delta, said it is difficult for defensive backs to stay with him in the red zone because he's dangerous running either the fade or the slant route. ''When we're that close and we run the fade I just know it's going to be seven points. I know I'm going to make the play.'' Tiger coach Tommy West said when Wimprine throws a catchable ball in Gideon's vicinity ''he's going to make the play.'' Gideon leads a talented receiver corps with 14 catches. His five TD receptions represent half the team's total. ''He is a big, tall guy who can get off coverage,'' Wimprine said. ''He does a good job getting his body between the defender and the ball. And he protects the ball and helps (me) out. I have all the confidence in the world in that guy and I'll continue to give him the ball.'' As opposing defenses routinely key on Tiger tailback DeAngelo Williams, the league's reigning offensive player of the year, more opportunities are created for Gideon and the Tiger receivers. In short-yardage situations Wimprine said it's a blessing to have Gideon lined up wide. ''He's a big-time possession receiver,'' Wimprine said. ''On third-and-5 or third-and-15 we can go to him and have a chance to get the first down.'' Through four games Gideon has nearly matched the eight touchdowns he scored in 2002. The cousin of former Southern Miss standout receiver Sherrod Gideon, he has 156 receiving yards, third on the team behind Darron White (231) and Maurice Avery (168). As a junior Gideon had 42 catches for 466 yards. White jokes that he taught Gideon ''everything he knows'' before becoming serious and acknowledging that Gideon was a special talent when he signed with the U of M. ''I knew what he could do when he got here,'' White said. ''He can make a play.'' Helton said the Tigers waited for the opportune time to call Gideon's number in last weekend's 35-28 loss at UAB. On the rare occasions that UAB lined up in man coverage, Gideon took advantage. ''He is a great competitor and he loves the ball to be thrown his way,'' Helton said. ''His strengths are his route-running and his ball-catching ability. You'll never see him 5 or 6 yards ahead of (a defender) but he has great body control. He always seems to put his body between the ball and the defender. ''And when he gets a jump ball he always seems to be able to hold off the defender and go up over the top and get it. Big men like him aren't built to run 4.3 40s, but they are built to be very physical players and good route runners who are strong at the catch point. He brings all that. He just has a natural, God-given talent to catch a football.'' ----------------------------------------------------------------- Tigers vs. Houston When, where: Saturday, 1 p.m., at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium WMC-AM (790) Call 678- 2331 or go to gotigersgo.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------ -- Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543

09/29/04		U of M notebook (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact September 29, 2004 Running back Doss gaining yards, and confidence Freshman running back Joseph Doss, the former Melrose High standout, likely will find himself more involved in the University of Memphis offense Saturday. Doss has made significant strides in recent weeks and impressed Tiger coach Tommy West and quarterback Danny Wimprine during his last weekend's loss at UAB. Midway through the third quarter he gained 9 yards on second-and-goal from the Blazer 12 and set up a 19-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski. In the closing minutes he turned a pass from Wimprine into an 8-yard gain on first-and-10 from the UAB 26. Two plays later DeAngelo Williams tied the game on an 11-yard run. ''Each week he starts to understand more and he starts to learn more about himself,'' Wimprine said. ''Joe is gaining confidence in himself. He is a good player, and he is making plays for us so far. We are going to have to get the ball to him more.'' Doss said he's gaining confidence in himself and a comfort level in the offense. ''The first three games I had to get used to the speed of the game. I'm very comfortable now.'' He said the speed of the game was the biggest adjustment from high school to Division 1-A football. ''The holes open so quickly,'' he said. ''And you have to react so quickly.'' Williams said he's excited about how Doss can contribute to this offense. ''I'm still teaching him some of the tricks of being a shorter, smaller back,'' Williams said. ''Things that (5-9 graduate assistant and former Tiger tailback) Gerard Arnold taught me when I first got here.'' Williams said he told Doss that the game ''will slow down for him'' eventually, and he'll become even more effective. ''He is coming along fine,'' Williams said. ''We are trying to get his confidence up because it's a big change from high school to college. He said that it's hard to get around the edges and break one in college. He said he would have broken three or four (runs for touchdowns) in high school.'' Zeroing in Williams, a 5-10 junior, needs 33 yards to pass Dave Casinelli and move into first place on the Tigers' career rushing chart. Casinelli's record of 2,636 yards has stood for more than 40 years. Williams has rushed for 2,604 yards in 25 games. Williams enters Saturday's game having rushed for 100 or more yards in three of the Tigers' first four games. He is averaging a C-USA best 122.5 yards per game. ''Personally, it's not my rushing record, it's more the offensive line's record,'' he said. ''When I got 92 yards last week they were really upset. So we're really focused this week to come back out and get on a winning track.'' Williams said he holds the single-season rushing record (2,204 yards) at Wynne (Ark.) High, but Arkansas State running back Antonio Warren owns the career mark. ''It was kind of fun to break that record in high school,'' Williams said. briefly Tiger receiver Darron White is 66 yards shy of passing former Tiger Isaac Bruce and moving into fifth place on the school's receiving yardage chart. White has 1,521 yards. Bruce had 1,586 in two seasons before moving onto the NFL, where he has become on the league's top receivers. ... Through four games the Tiger offensive line has allowed a league-low two sacks. Southern Miss has also allowed two, but the Golden Eagles have played only two games. . . . Houston QB Kevin Kolb, a sophomore, already ranks eighth on the school's career passing yardage chart with 3,987 yards. He needs 109 to move past David Dacus (1987-88) and into seventh place. David Klingler (1988-91) holds the mark -- 9,430.

09/29/04		Tigers 2004-2005 men's basketball schedule (Commercial Appeal)
		On Tuesday, the U of M released game times for the 2004-05 season. Home games at FedExForum in bold, times are Central, more TV to be announced: DATE OPPONENT TIME Nov. 6 CBU (exhibition) 7 p.m. Nov. 8 LEMOYNE-OWEN (exhibition) 7 p.m. Nov. 11 SAVANNAH STATE# 7:50 p.m. Nov. 13 GEORGE MASON/PFW# TBD Nov. 18 TBD# / TBD Nov. 19 TBD# TBD Nov. 23 / ARKANSAS STATE 7 p.m. Nov. 26 vs. Maryland$ (ESPN2) 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at Purdue (ESPN2) 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 vs. Pittsburgh& (ESPN) 6 p.m. Dec. 11 OLE MISS noon Dec. 18 AUSTIN PEAY 7 p.m. Dec. 20 LOUISIANA TECH 7 p.m. Dec. 23 PROVIDENCE (ESPN2) 8 p.m. Dec. 30 EAST TENNESSEE ST. 7 p.m. Jan. 6 at Texas (ESPN2) 8 p.m. Jan. 9 SOUTHERN MISS* 7 p.m. Jan. 13 MARQUETTE* (ESPN2) 8 p.m. Jan. 15 TCU* noon Jan. 19 at South Florida* 6 p.m. Jan. 22 at UAB* (ESPN2) 1 p.m. Jan. 27 DePAUL* (ESPN2) 8 p.m. Jan. 29 at TCU* 7 p.m. Feb. 2 EAST CAROLINA* 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at Houston* 2 p.m. Feb. 9 at Louisville* (ESPN) 6 p.m. Feb 12 TULANE* noon Feb 19 at Southern Miss* noon Feb 23 at Charlotte* 6:30 p.m. Feb 26 LOUISVILLE* (ESPN) 8 p.m. March 2 at Saint Louis* 7 p.m. March 5 CINCINNATI* (ESPN) 11 a.m. March 9-12 C-USA Tournament at FedExForum *--Conference USA games #--Coaches vs. Cancer Classic (last two rounds at Madison Square Garden) $--Mass Mutual Classic at Springfield, Mass. &--Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden

09/29/04		Volleyball duo honored (Commercial Appeal)
		A week after becoming the first Memphis duo to sweep Conference USA weekly volleyball awards, Heather Watts and Tiara Gilkey became the first Tiger pair to earn the honors in consecutive weeks. Watts earned her third Setter of the Week recognition in four weeks, while Gilkey shared Player of the Week honors with Saint Louis's Aida Antanaviciute. After receiving Setter of the Week honors last week, Watts posted more impressive numbers and earned her second tournament MVP honor this week after guiding Memphis to a 4-0 record and its second tournament title in as many weeks. Watts set the Tiger offense with 267 assists on the week and posted match-highs in all five contests. "It is exciting that, not only is Heather recognized by her teammates, coaches and the tournament's selection committee, but also by her peers and the conference as being one of the top setters in the league," Lady Tiger coach Carrie Yerty said. "This is good for her, individually as well as for our program." Indy Bowl seeks sponsor Three months before the 29th annual Independence Bowl kicks off in Shreveport, La., bowl officials are still trying to find a new title sponsor. MainStay, a mutual funds management company, filled that role for the last three games. The company announced in August 2003 that it would not pick up the option year of its contract and sponsor the 2004 game. "The search goes on," Independence Bowl executive director Glen Krupica said. The lack of a title sponsor after a yearlong search does concern Krupica. "It's a combination of things. We have not been able to garner access to enough decision-makers through the search process. More so than anything else, we haven't found the right match yet," he said. He has not set a specific date to forgo this year and focus on finding a sponsor for 2005, but he is ready for the possibility that this year's game won't have a main sponsor. NCAA picks Indianapolis The NCAA Division 1 women's Final Four will return to Indianapolis in 2011 as part of the association's long-term commitment to the city. The NCAA moved its national headquarters to Indianapolis in 1999 and last spring signed an agreement with the Indiana Sports Corp. to keep the city as a regular tournament host for at least the next 30 years. Under the agreement announced in February, the city will be a regular tourney host as long as the NCAA keeps its national office in Indianapolis. That includes the Final Fours and the men's and women's first-and second-round or regional tournaments. Ex-Husker at Oregon Former Nebraska center Richie Incognito, who withdrew from school after being suspended from the team for disciplinary problems, has enrolled at Oregon. Incognito could join Oregon practices in the next week pending physical exams, but is ineligible to play this season under NCAA rules. Oregon coach Mike Bellotti has stipulated that Incognito complete an anger-management course and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Incognito, a 6-foot-3, 300-pound junior from Glendale, Ariz., was an all-Big 12 selection last year. He has one season of eligibility left. The Cornhuskers suspended him indefinitely for what coach Bill Callahan called repeated violations of team rules. In February, Incognito was charged with three counts of assault stemming from a fight at a party. He was found guilty of one misdemeanor assault charge after a three-day trial.

09/28/04		Women's Soccer Debuts in Soccer Buzz Central Region Rankings -- Tigers regionally ranked for first time in program history (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, Tenn. - In the midst of a three-game winning streak including a win over the defending Conference USA champions DePaul, the Memphis women's soccer team made its debut in the Soccer Buzz regional rankings on Tuesday. The Tigers came in at #15 in the Central Region, and are one of only three Conference USA schools to be ranked in the regional rankings. UAB is ranked in the Southeast Region while Louisville is ranked in the Great Lakes Region. Soccer Buzz, an online publication devoted to women's soccer, ranks the top 30 national teams and also ranks the top 15 teams in six regions across the country. It is the first time in program history that Memphis has received a regional ranking. "This is another step in the right direction of building a winning program," said head coach Brooks Monaghan. "While we are pleased to be ranked, we also realize that we have a long way to go to get to where we want to be and that we can easily slip up if we don't do the things we need to do to be successful." The Tigers (7-2, 1-0 C-USA) will travel to Texas for a pair of games against TCU and Houston this weekend. Their next home game will be next Friday, October 8, against Charlotte at 7:00 p.m. at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex.

09/28/04		Tiger Basketball Announces Game Times -- Coaches vs. Cancer doubleheaders Nov. 11 and 13 to tip at 5:30 pm (CT) (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The 2004-05 University of Memphis Tiger basketball schedule was released three weeks ago with dates and opponents. Now, the fans can complete their schedules with game times. The Tigers' two exhibition games against Christian Brothers Nov. 6 and LeMoyne-Owen College Nov. 8 both are slated for 7:00 p.m. (CT) tips. Memphis opens regular season play at FedExForum Nov. 11 and 13 when the Tigers host a Coaches vs. Cancer regional. Play starts Nov. 11 with George Mason meeting IPFW at 5:30 p.m. (CT) followed by Memphis and Savannah State. Two days later, the action begins again at 5:30 p.m. (CT), with the two losing squads in the early game followed by the two winning teams in second contest. The regional winner advances to play in Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. The times for the New York games are to be announced. The Tigers have two games this year that will part of a day-night doubleheader with the NBA's Grizzlies. On Dec. 11, Memphis hosts Mid-South rival Ole Miss at 12:00 p.m. (CT), and the Grizzlies play the defending NBA champion Detroit Pistons later that evening. The next doubleheader occurs Jan. 15 when the Tigers host TCU in a 12:00 p.m. (CT) contest followed by the Grizzlies and the Milwaukee Bucks that night. On Feb. 26, ESPN Gameday is scheduled to broadcast from FedExForum the entire day prior to one of the hottest rivalries in college basketball, Memphis vs. Louisville, which tips off at 8:00 p.m. (CT). Similar to the highly-successful football gameday show, this is the first year ESPN is taking its basketball gameday show on the road to sites across the country.

09/28/04		Tigers Travel to Cincinnati, then Host Marquette -- Memphis ranked near the top of the conference in both offense and defense (GoTigersGo.com)
		The University of Memphis men's soccer team aims to improve on its best start since 1993 with conference games against Cincinnati and Marquette this week. The Tigers (5-2-0, 1-0-0) will first travel to Cincinnati to play the Bearcats (2-5-0, 1-0-0) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. (Central Time) at Gettler Stadium. The U of M will then host Marquette (2-5-0, 0-2-0) at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Mike Rose Soccer Complex. Dayton O'Brien leads an explosive offense that scored eight goals last week. O'Brien was named to College Soccer News National Team of the Week and Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week. The junior forward leads the conference in assists with seven and is tied for second in points with 13. The Tigers are at the top of nearly every offensive category in the conference and lead in shots with 127, shots on goal with 54 and corners per game with 5.43. The Memphis defense also ranks at the top of the conference. Senior goalie Sebastian Vecchio was named Co-Defensive Player of the Week after holding Evansville and Charlotte to a combined two goals. Vecchio is third in the conference with a .85 goals against average, .828 save percentage and is tied for third with 24 saves. The defense ranks second in the conference with seven goals allowed and is tied for second in shots allowed with 75. The Tigers are 9-12-0 all-time against Cincinnati but have outscored them 40-38. The first meeting between the two schools came in 1984 with Cincinnati posting a 6-1 win. Last year the Bearcats shutout the Tigers2-0. In the past five games, Memphis has posted a 2-3-0 record against Cincinnati. The Bearcats have won three-straight against the U of M. Memphis is 5-1-1 all-time against Marquette and have been outscored 18-17. The two schools first met in 1988 with Marquette posting a 3-0 shutout. Last year the Golden Eagles beat the Tigers 3-2. Memphis has posted a 1-4-0 record against Marquette in the past five years and has lost three-straight to the Golden Eagles. Live stats are available on the Internet for the game against Cincinnati. A link to the live stats can be found on the men's soccer schedule page at www.gotigersgo.com. Tickets for the home game against Marquette are $2 for adults and free for children under 18 and students with their ID card.

09/28/04		Offensive optimism -- Despite loss to UAB, Tigercoach upbeat about team (Commercial Appeal)
		By PhilStukenborg Contact September 28, 2004 It was six games into the 2003 season when University of Memphis coach Tommy West issued a bold statement that, he later joked, had some questioning his sanity. The Tigers had dropped a 35-27 decision at Mississippi State and committed two costly special teams mistakes in the process. But West saw something in the second half at Starkville, Miss., that told him his team was about to turn things around. So he predicted the Tigers could win their six remaining regular-season games and a bowl game. The U of M came close, winning five of six and earning a bowl bid for the first time in 32 years. The Tigers beat North Texas in the New Orleans Bowl. During Monday's press conference at the school's Athletic Office Building, West wouldn't commit to a similar prediction, but he quickly dispelled any suggestions that his team was reeling following a 35-28 loss at UAB. Although the Tigers (3-1) allowed 500 or more yards for the second straight week, their offense generated 463 yards, including 347 passing yards from quarterback Danny Wimprine. It was Wimprine's second consecutive game with 300 or more passing yards. "I feel good about the makeup of this team," said West, whose Tigers play host to Houston in a Conference USA game Saturday at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. "I feel better than I've felt since we started about our offense right now. I feel we are on the verge of being what we can be offensively. "Defensively, I obviously have some concerns. I think we have to play better everywhere there." Offensively, the Tigers are ranked fourth nationally in pass offense averaging 326.3 yards per game. West said he has few concerns about that unit except for its sluggish first-half play. Memphis has been more productive in the second half of its past two games, scoring 31 second-half points at ASU and 25 of its 28 points after halftime at UAB. Wimprine, a fifth-year senior from New Orleans, has been successful finding a deep, talented corps of receivers, a group whose key contributors have been Tavares Gideon, Darron White, Maurice Avery, Mario Pratcher, Ryan Scott, Tavarious Davis and Chris Kelley. In the loss at UAB, Wimprine connected on passes to 10 receivers, led by White and Gideon. White had five catches for 101 yards. Gideon also had five catches, his going for 71 yards and two touchdowns. "We have (an offense) that is probably ranked in the top five in the country in throwing the football, is second in (Conference USA) in total offense (470.5 ypg) and is averaging 36 points a game. I still think this offense can be better and I think it will be ... fast." Wimprine was intercepted four times in the loss at UAB, but the first one came when Davis had a reception wrestled away from him. The last one came on a "Hail Mary" toss at the final horn. Wimprine admitted to making a poor decision on the second of three fourth-quarter interceptions. West shouldered the blame for the first, which came shortly after the Tigers had tied the game at 21, rallying from a 21-3 halftime deficit. "I got greedy and tried to take a shot to put them away instead of just letting the players play," West said. "The second one was just a mistake." Wimprine said he feels as if the offense is "on the verge of somebody making a big play early" to gain some first-half momentum. "So far in the first half it hasn't been fun," he said. "(Opponents) have been making plays and we haven't. That's what we have to get corrected this week." Defensively, the Tigers have struggled. They are ranked 114th of 117 Division 1-A team in pass defense allowing 315.7 yards per game. Overall, the defense ranks 84th (406 yards per game). A year ago, Memphis finished ninth nationally in total defense allowing 295.8 yards. "We aren't playing well as a total defense right now at all," West said. "We aren't helping each other at all. We didn't play well up front and, at times, we got beat in the secondary." The Tigers also allowed UAB to run the ball effectively. Tailback Dan Burks rushed for 146 yards. "I'm disappointed that we lost the football game," he said. "But probably the most disappointing thing is that we put ourselves in position to win the game and then we didn't close it. That's not us." West said if he did take something positive away from the loss it was the effect it had on his team. The Tigers had won five straight road games, six straight away from the Liberty Bowl, and nine of their last 10 before encountering UAB. "I thought they were outstanding in the way they approached it," West said. "There was not any feeling sorry for ourselves because we lost the game. "We lost a game, but like I've said all along, it matters what you do at the end (of the season). We are 3-1 right now and have a chance to be a heck of a football team." -- Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543

09/28/04		U of M notes (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact September 28, 2004 Tigers' Vogel faces knee surgery University of Memphis senior cat safety Scott Vogel, injured during last weekend's Conference USA loss at UAB, will miss Saturday's homecoming game against Houston. Vogel will have arthroscopic surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee. He was injured following a 21-yard fumble recovery on UAB's first series and did not return. Dr. Barry Phillips of the Campbell Clinic will perform the surgery today. Vogel's return to the field will depend on weekly evaluations by team doctors. He possibly could miss only one game as the Tigers have an off week following Saturday's game against Houston. After Houston, Memphis's next game is Oct. 16 at home against Tulane. Other injury updates Tiger coach Tommy West said starting free safety Wesley Smith (shoulder sprain) and reserve cornerback Lionel Pieh (hamstring) also are battling injuries. Smith is expected to miss today's practice, but should be back Wednesday. He'll likely play against Houston. As for Pieh, he aggravated a hamstring injury against UAB and West said he isn't expected to play Saturday. C-USA ADs in Dallas Tiger athletic director R.C. Johnson leaves today for Dallas to attend two days of C-USA meetings. He said a permanent 12-game football schedule will be discussed, along with a fifth-year of eligibility for student-athletes. Also on the agenda is football and basketball scheduling. Only ADs from schools that will be part of the league in 2005-06 will attend. Rice, SMU, Tulsa, UTEP, Marshall and Central Florida join C-USA in 2005-06, while Cincinnati, DePaul, Louisville, Marquette, UNC Charlotte, Saint Louis, South Florida, Army and TCU bow out. BRIEFLY A homecoming parade for Saturday's game against Houston will be held Friday on the U of M campus beginning at 5:30. The parade route will take participants down Patterson Avenue and Central Avenue. Following the parade, a pep rally will be held in the Central Avenue parking lot near the on-campus Holiday Inn and include several special guests, among them U of M president Shirley Raines, football coach Tommy West, the Tiger band, cheer squads and the Tiger mascot, Pouncer. ... Since their inaugural C-USA football game in 1996, the Tigers are 6-2 in home openers. Their only losses were to Louisville, in 1999 and 2003.

09/28/04		Tiger soccer player gets 2 honors -- O'Brien named to national squad (Commercial Appeal)
		Colleges University of Memphis junior forward Dayton O'Brien earned two soccer honors, one national, on Monday. O'Brien was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week, and was also named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week, while Tiger goalkeeper Sebastian Vecchio earned C-USA Co-Defensive Player of the Week. O'Brien, who prepped at Evangelical Christian, is the first Memphis player to ever be tabbed by College Soccer News' and only the second player ever to be named to a national team of the week. Memphis women's head coach Brooks Monaghan was named to the national team of the week by Soccer America in 1993. O'Brien contributed three assists in the Tigers' 5-1 win over Evansville, the first time Memphis has ever beaten the Purple Aces. He then scored the game-winning goal and added two more assists in a 3-1 conference victory over Charlotte. O'Brien aided in six of the Tigers' eight goals on the week. Vecchio, a senior from Buenos Aires, Argentina, posted two wins in the net for the Tigers with nine saves on the week. He allowed a goal apiece in a 5-1 victory against Evansville and a 3-1 win over Charlotte in the C-USA opener. He ranks third in the C-USA standings for goals against average (0.85) and save percentage (.828). ASU tailback honored Antonio Warren's 175-yard rushing performance in Arkansas State's win over Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday was good enough to allow the junior from Wynne, Ark., to be named the Sun Belt Conference's Offensive Player of the Week. Warren (5-11, 206-pounds) became the first Indian this season to rush for 100-yards in a game. The yardage total is the second-best in his career, surpassed only by his 193-yard performance against Tulsa two seasons ago. In the game against ULM, Warren carried the ball a season-high 24 times and also returned one kick for 18-yards in the game. It is the second time this season that Warren has been honored by the SBC, also picking up the special teams recognition after his four-return, 128-yard effort in the season opener against Missouri. Syracuse player stabbed Syracuse starting cornerback Tanard Jackson was released from the hospital Monday after being stabbed in the chest during a fight outside the campus student center. "He's doing fine," coach Paul Pasqualoni said. Pasqualoni said Jackson probably would miss Saturday's Big East opener against Rutgers in the Carrier Dome. Police said Jackson and his roommate, Reggie McCoy, a safety on the team, were in a parking lot outside the Schine Student Center at about 2 a.m. Sunday when a fight broke out involving about 15 people following a fraternity-sponsored dance. Jackson was attacked while walking to his car with friends, university spokesman Kevin Morrow said. During the dance, a group of football players stepped in to end a confrontation between two groups, Morrow said. FSU names QB starter Wyatt Sexton will make his first start at quarterback for Florida State, replacing injured Chris Rix for Saturday's home game against North Carolina. Rix sprained his right ankle in last weekend's 41-22 victory, and coach Bobby Bowden said Monday he will be out at least two weeks. Sexton, a sophomore whose father was a Florida State quarterback three decades ago, entered the game late in the first quarter with Florida State trailing 7-3 and turned in a strong performance. "He could have gone in and struck out," Bowden said. "It's not like he went in with a 30-point lead. He went in when we were behind." Sexton threw for 162 yards and a touchdown in the win over Clemson. "He ran the football team without any sense of panic," Bowden said. "He made some throws that kept drives going. ... The good thing is he's got smarts. Whatever you teach him, he'll learn quickly." He's also expected to start Florida State's game at Syracuse on Oct. 9. "We recruited him with the idea that he'd be the quarterback one day, and so, here we are," Bowden said. Billy Sexton, a Bowden assistant for 28 seasons, was Florida State's starting quarterback for part of the 1973 season; he passed for 754 yards and four touchdowns, but was intercepted a dozen times. He said his son is the better player of the two. Mizzou player suspended Missouri starting linebacker David Richard has been suspended from Saturday's Big 12 game against Colorado. Tigers coach Gary Pinkel said Monday that Richard, who was arrested earlier this month for alleged marijuana possession, was suspended "for disciplinary reasons." Richard, 21, was arrested about 2:30 a.m. Sept. 11, Columbia police Capt. Marvin McCrary confirmed Monday. . The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Richard is in his first season at Missouri.

09/28/04		Tigers anticipate "Setting the Record Straight" (Daily Helmsman)
		Christina Morgan Staff Reporter September 28, 2004 After last year's homecoming loss to the University of Alabama-Birmingham, The University of Memphis is ready to set the record straight for Homecoming 2004. This year's theme revolves around overcoming last year's loss and proving the Tigers are a team to be reckoned with this year. Chris Hawk, Student Activities Council president, said this year's homecoming theme is "Setting the Record Straight." "We know we're a good school and a good team that's going to have a good year and win homecoming this year," Hawk said. "The theme also celebrates the 50th anniversary of rock 'n' roll because Memphis has such a rich musical heritage." For many students at The U of M, homecoming week is one of the most anticipated events of the year. "I'm so excited about homecoming and I can't wait to tailgate," said Anna Myers, senior journalism major. "I am also looking forward to the parade." Homecoming week kicked off last Friday with a picnic, games, food and live music. Monday, students raced each other on adult-sized tricycles at Wacky Trikes on the Alumni Mall. "A member of my co-ed honor fraternity participated in the Wacky Trikes and received 2nd place for the event," said Amanda Huston, junior communications major. The Rose Theatre will host two events this week, including a step show on Tuesday at 1 p.m. and a comedy show at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The Second City improv comedy show by This Famous Chicago Troupe is one attraction many U of M students are looking forward to. "Since its my first year here at The University I am eager to partake in all the festivities," said Ontoni Reedy, a freshman biology major. "Other than the game, I will probably go to the comedy show as well, since it fits my schedule." A new event for The U of M is the homecoming parade, which will circle around campus starting from Zach Curlin. "Students work so hard on their floats, they should be recognized for their hard work, which is one of the reasons for the parade," Hawk said. Tom II, the marching band and The U of M spirit squads will be walking along with the floats, and Dr. Shirley Raines will be riding in a fire truck. A pep rally will follow the parade in the Central parking lot with football coach Tommy West and musical guests Sound Fuzion and Ingram Hill. The semi-formal dance, formerly held at the Peabody, will now be held at the Cadre Building on Monroe from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday. Tickets can be picked up from the UC information center. Homecoming week culminates Saturday with the 1 p.m. kickoff, as the Tigers take on the Houston Cougars at the Liberty Bowl. Student Activities Council and the Alumni Association partnered up to give current students and alumni something to look forward to, Hawk said. "The goal for this year is to get the whole campus and community involved, along with alumni. We want the alumni to come back and have a good time."

09/28/04		New season, same old script again: Blazers bounce defenseless Tigers (Daily Helmsman)
		Daniel Ford Staff Reporter September 28, 2004 Superman had Kryptonite, Chris Farley had cheeseburgers and the Memphis football team has UAB. For the fifth time in as many years, the Blazers upset the Tigers. However, after five years in a row it's hard to argue that anything about the 35-28 loss was an upset - other than the stomachs of thousands of Memphis fans in attendance. "I'm disappointed because we lost the football game," said Memphis coach Tommy West. "Probably the most disappointing thing is that we put ourselves in position to win the game and we didn't close it and that's not us." The Tigers (3-1 overall, 0-1 in Conference USA) fell behind 21-3 at halftime, but stormed back to tie the score at 21-21 in the fourth quarter. After another Blazers (2-1, 1-0) touchdown, Memphis once again answered with one of their own with 1:37 remaining to tie the score at 28. Their only mistake was leaving too much time on the clock. After a 44-yard kickoff return, UAB marched into field goal range. Running back Corey White was actually trying to set up field goal kicker Nick Hayes when the Tigers' defense folded like house of cards and White was able to waltz 30 yards into the endzone for the decisive score. After coming back from the slow start, Memphis was too tired to finish off the Blazers, West said. "When you get down like we went down, it takes so much energy to get back even," West said. "You're almost worn out by the time you get back even. We just couldn't hold on because we were so worn out from trying to get back in it." When looking back at the first quarter, the disparity between the two teams is obvious. Tiger tailback DeAngelo Williams rushed for 18 yards while UAB running back Dan Burks had 49 yards. Memphis quarterback Danny Wimprine threw for 21 yards, while the Blazersí Darrell Hackney passed for 171 yards. Williams finished with 92 yards on 24 carries, snapping a streak of 13-straight 100-yard rushing performances. "If there's anything offensively (that needs improvement) it's coming out of the gate," West said. "I think there's some things we can do to simplify some things to get our offense on track." UAB's 539 yards of total offense to the Tigers' 463, marks the first time an opponent out gained them since TCU in the 2002 season finale. The Tigers were 13-4 during that stretch. The streak almost ended against Arkansas State, but the Tigers recovered. This time, Memphis couldn't recover from the slow start. "They made plays early, we didn't, and that's pretty much the story," Wimprine said. "We didn't play well enough to win. I thought we were going to win (with the score tied at 21-21), but I made a bad decision late and threw the ball out there when I shouldn't have. It was a rookie mistake." Wimprine was 26-of-43 for 347 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw four interceptions, including two on consecutive throws with the score tied at 21 and one on a last second hail mary. Defensive lineman Marcus West said he knew poise would be a key to avoiding an early deficit, but that he didn't see it at UAB. "I said last week that focus would be our goal, that we would come out and play, but we obviously didn't," Marcus said. "This week we've got to find it." Tommy West stressed that the loss should be put in some perspective and not be blown out of proportion. "I'm not ready to jump in the casket because we lost a football game," West said. "You don't think I wanted to win that game? You don't think I don't want to get that monkey off my back. We've got seven football games (left) and I'm worried about one. I told ya'll that it matters at the end. You sack 'em up at the end."

09/27/04		Gilkey and Watts Garner C-USA Weekly Honors for Second Consecutive Week -- Seniors lead Tigers to undefeated week and season-long eight match win streak (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A week after becoming the first Memphis duo to sweep Conference USA weekly awards, Heather Watts and Tiara Gilkey became the first Tiger pair to earn the honors in consecutive weeks. Watts earned her third Setter of the Week recognition in four weeks, while Gilkey shared Player of the Week honors with Saint Louis' Aida Antanaviciute. After receiving Setter of the Week honors last week, Watts posted more impressive numbers and earned her second tournament MVP honor this week after guiding Memphis to a 4-0 record and its second tournament title in as many weeks. Watts set the Tiger offense with 267 assists on the week (14.83 A/G) and posted match-highs in all five contests. She was outstanding in the UNCG Invitational Tournament, putting up an average of 56.5 assists per match. The senior tied had at least 55 assists in three of the week's five matches, including tying her career-high mark with 70 assists in a four-game match against UNC-Asheville. She capped a brilliant weekend off with a 61-assist performance in a 3-1 win over UNC-Greensboro to clinch the Tiger's second consecutive tournament championship. In addition, she hit .347 with 22 kills and showed her all-around game by digging a team-high 74 balls on the week. She logged a career-high 26 digs in the Tiger's shutout of Davidson on Tuesday. In all, Watts recorded double figures in digs on three occasions. Watts also notched her 4,000th career assist in the Davidson win. "It is exciting that, not only is Heather recognized by her teammates, coaches and the tournament's selection committee, but also by her peers and the conference as being one of the top setters in the league," Yerty said. "This is good for her, individually as well as for our program. Heather will definitely leave Memphis as the most decorated setter in program history both academically and athletically. She has been a great leader for us and we are excited to see how she will perform in conference play. We know she will continue to put up big numbers and have a great year." Gilkey was a dominant force for the Memphis offense this week, hitting a blistering .446, while downing a team-high 86 kills. The senior outside hitter put up double-doubles in each of the four UNCG Tournament matches. She put down a season-high 26 kills and hit a scorching .525 in the 3-1 win over UNCA. The St. Louis, Mo. native hit .350 or better in all five contests and had match-high kill totals against Davidson (15), UNCA (26), Morgan State (12) and UNCG (17). She also had 61 digs during the week, including a match-high 11 digs in the 3-0 win against Morgan State. "It is exciting to get one Conference USA Player of the Week award, but to do it twice in a row says a lot for Tiara. " "I know our team feels pressure to have another good year and to do better than they did last year," Yerty said. "For these two players to be recognized back-to-back is an outstanding accomplishment for them. It also says a lot for our team and program to play well enough and to do the things we need to do to enable these two players to be acknowledged is really a nice accomplishment for our program." Memphis now readies for the beginning of the Conference USA slate. The Tigers will host Saint Louis in the C-USA opener for both squads, on Fri., Oct. 1. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.

09/27/04		Scott Vogel to Have Surgery Tuesday -- Cat safety suffered meniscus tear following fumble recovery against UAB (GoTigersGo.com)
		MEMPHIS, TENN. - University of Memphis senior cat safety Scott Vogel will have arthroscopic surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee that he suffered following a fumble recovery against UAB Saturday night. Dr. Barry Phillips of the Campbell Clinic will perform the surgery on Tuesday morning. Vogel's return to the field will depend on weekly evaluations by team doctors.

09/27/04		Dayton O'Brien Named to National Team of the Week -- Junior is the first player ever picked by College Soccer News (GoTigersGo.com)
		University of Memphis junior forward Dayton O'Brien was named to College Soccer News National Team of the Week on Monday. The Memphis native who prepped at Evangelical Christian is the first Memphis player to ever be tabbed by College Soccer News' and only the second player ever to be named to a national team of the week. Memphis women's head coach Brooks Monaghan was named to the national team of the week by Soccer America in 1993. O'Brien contributed three assists in the Tigers' 5-1 win over Evansville, the first time Memphis has ever beaten the Purple Aces. He then scored the game-winning goal and added two more assists in a 3-1 conference victory over Charlotte. O'Brien aided in six of the Tigers' eight goals on the week. The five assists on the week equals the Preseason All-Conference USA selection's season totals from 2003. O'Brien leads the Tigers with three goals and seven assists for 13 points. He has two game-winning goals on the season, helping Memphis (5-2-0, 1-0-0) get off to its best start since 1993.

09/27/04		O'Brien and Vecchio Named C-USA Players of the Week -- First two Tigers to be tabbed this season by the conference (GoTigersGo.com)
		Irving, Texas - University of Memphis forward Dayton O'Brien was named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week while the Tigers' goalkeeper Sebastian Vecchio earned Co-Defensive Player of the Week. O'Brien, a junior from Memphis, Tenn., was involved with six of the Tigers eight goals this week, netting the game-winner against Charlotte and adding five assists in two matches. He assisted on three goals as Memphis defeated Evansville, 5-1, for the first time in school history. O'Brien also scored the game-winning goal on a free kick from 35 yards out to give the Tigers a 3-1 victory against Charlotte in their C-USA opener. Vecchio, a senior from Buenos Aires, Argentina, posted two wins in the net for the Tigers with nine saves on the week. He allowed a goal apiece in a 5-1 victory against Evansville and a 3-1 win over Charlotte in the C-USA opener. He ranks third in the C-USA standings for goals against average (0.85) and save percentage (.828). USF sophomore defender Kareem Smith shares the conference defensive player of the week honors with Vecchio. Smith anchored a Bulls' defense that is undefeated this season at 5-0-2. In Saturday's match with No. 17 Saint Louis, he marked C-USA Preseason Player of the Year Will John and held him to just three shots (none on goal).

09/27/04		Slow starts prove costly to Tigers -- Lackluster 1st halves are worrying West (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact September 27, 2004 A trend that may have been troublesome for University of Memphis football coach Tommy West two weeks ago has progressed. Now it's become costly. As the Tigers prepare for Saturday's homecoming game against Houston at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, they'll attempt to end what has been a sluggish series of first-half performances by the offense and defense. While the Tigers were able to recover and rally for a victory two weeks ago at Arkansas State, they weren't as fortunate last weekend at UAB. In the Conference USA opener for both schools, the Tigers fell from the ranks of the unbeaten one week after being booted out of the Top 25 rankings. Against league nemesis UAB, the Tigers (3-1) trailed 21-3 at the half before rebounding to score 18 straight points to tie the game. They fell behind again, but rallied to tie it at 28-all before losing, 35-28, in the closing seconds. West complimented his team for its inspired second-half play, but also chastised it for its lackluster start, one he said they couldn't recover from. ''We've got to concentrate a little more and play a little better than we have been playing in the first half,'' West said. ''If we do that, we'll be fine. ''We've got to set our jaw. It'll be important how we approach it. We've got to do a better job coaching and a good job with our leadership in coming back from this. It's a long season and that's what they have to realize.'' They also have to realize that 'it's not how you start, it's how you finish' isn't a motto that produces winning football. The Tigers, who spent one week as the nation's 25th-ranked team after a 2-0 start, have been outscored, 52-46, before halftime. After the half, they've nearly doubled the opposition's point total: 101-52. It required 28 fourth-quarter points -- supplied by both the offense and defense -- to escape at ASU two weeks ago and 28 third-quarter points to pull away from 1-AA Chattanooga three weeks ago. ''Sometimes it might take us a little bit to read (an opponent's) defense,'' said Tiger center Gene Frederic. ''We're doing the same things in the first half that we are doing in the second half. It's just a matter of execution. ''Sometimes we have dropped balls by receivers, missed blocks by us and penalties. " You don't see as much of that in the second half. You see wide receivers making great plays, like (Chris) Kelley did against Arkansas State.'' Against UAB in the second half, Tiger receiver Tavares Gideon had touchdown receptions of 16 and 9 yards in addition to a 29-yard catch that set up his first TD. Darron White had a 34-yard reception on a third-and-10 play that kept another scoring drive alive. In the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, it was White again with a 27-yard reception that extended a scoring drive that produced the game's last tie -- 28-all with 1:37 left. Defensively, the Tigers held the Blazers to one yard in the third quarter to assist the comeback. West said he thought ''at one point in the second half that we looked like a pretty good football team on both sides and in the kicking game.'' ''But for some reason we are not making our plays in the first half,'' he said. ''I don't think it was from a lack of effort. We were playing hard and trying hard.'' West said in the first half, the Tiger offense sputtered because ''we looked a little bit tentative.'' Defensively, he said the Tigers were unable to shed blocks, which created numerous big-play opportunities for quarterback Darrell Hackney (398 yards passing, 3 TDs) and running back Dan Burks (146 yards rushing). ''We are getting blocked one on one, we've just got to get off them and get to the quarterback," West said. Marcus West, credited with one of the team's four sacks, said the goal in practice this week will be ''learning how to come out and bring it to people.'' It's a sentiment shared by Frederic. ''They say better late than never,'' he said. ''But we want to start making things happen earlier. We want to be the ones teams have to catch up to.''

09/27/04		Upon further review -- team ratings (Commercial Appeal)
		MEMPHIS (3-1) ** (out of five) Through four games, the Tiger defense is giving up an average of 406 yards per game, and the last two opponents broke the 500-yard mark. There are issues on offense, too, but if the defense doesn't improve, getting to six wins could become a challenge. All sorts of streaks were broken for the Tigers in the loss to UAB -- DeAngelo Williams failed to hit 100 yards rushing for the first time in 14 games; the Tigers failed to outgain their opponents for the first time in 17 games; and, the streak of six straight wins away from the Liberty Bowl came to an end. Next: Houston at The Liberty Bowl, Saturday at 1 p.m. Tennessee (3-0) **** The Vols continue to look like SEC title contenders, and, even better for UT fans, the Vols continue to get better. The line is superb, the backfield is stocked with talent and the quarterback position is no longer a concern. So far anyway, Phil Fulmer has answered his critics, and then some. Next: Auburn, Saturday at 6: 45 p.m. CDT. Ole miss (1-3) * 1/2 The Rebels finally found a way to move the ball, but forgot how to to hold onto it. Ole Miss didn't have any interceptions through three games, but Ethan Flatt tossed four of them Saturday and also had a fumble before giving way to Micheal Spurlock in the final two minutes. Ole Miss is the first SEC team ever to lose to Wyoming. In coach David Cutcliffe's defense, the world looked bleak for the Rebels last year, too. Then they built confidence by waxing Arkansas State and upset an Eastern Division power (Florida) before catching fire. Next: Arkansas State, Saturday at 1 p.m. Arkansas (3-1) *** 1/2 It wasn't a pretty win, but you could see the young Razorbacks continuing to grow. Matt Jones continues to make big plays when the team needs them. And the defense, after letting Alabama run all over it in the first half, settled down and shut out Alabama in the final two quarters. Next: At Florida, Saturday at 11 a.m. CDT. Mississippi State (1-3) (no stars) The Bulldogs are fast losing confidence and any semblance of toughness needed to at least compete in the SEC. The starting QB, Omarr Conner, got hurt, and the Bulldogs are going in the wrong direction as they prepare for what once looked like a winnable game, against Vanderbilt. Next: At Vanderbilt, Saturday at 6 p.m. Arkansas State (1-3) *** The Indians scored the only touchdown of the fourth quarter to win at Louisiana-Monroe, 28-21. One week after throwing for more than 400 yards against Memphis in a losing effort, quarterback Nick Noce cooled down to 11-of-23 passing for 128 yards. But Antonio Warren's 175 yards rushing paced ASU. Next: at Ole Miss, Saturday at 1 p.m.

09/26/04		Nemesis Blazers withstand furious Memphis comeback (Commercial Appeal)
		By Phil Stukenborg Contact September 26, 2004 BIRMINGHAM -- Nice try, better luck next year. It's not what the University of Memphis football team wanted to hear after Saturday night's Conference USA opener before 26,212 at Legion Field. The Tigers tried their best to end UAB's recent dominance in this series, putting together another second-half comeback for the second consecutive week. But unlike their frantic rally to nip Arkansas State the previous weekend, the Tigers ran out of time, luck and opportunities. UAB's Corey White sprinted 30 yards for a touchdown with 13 seconds left to give the Blazers a 35-28 victory and extend their winning streak over Memphis to five games. The Tigers, who fell behind, 21-3, at the half, rallied to tie the game at 28-all with 1:37 to go on an 11-yard run by DeAngelo Williams. But on the ensuing kickoff, UAB's Reggie Lindsey returned Patrick Byrne's kick 47 yards to put the Blazers (2-1) in position to end the U of M's dreams for an unbeaten season. ''I thought the outcome was dictated by our play in the first half,'' Tiger coach Tommy West said. ''We can not continue to go on the road and play good football teams and play poorly in the first half. ''It was a great comeback by our guys in the second half, but it was just hard to hold on. We've got to go back and get ready for the next one and play (in) the first half. That's killing us right now.'' Memphis (3-1) allowed 363 yards in the first half and 539 for the game, the second straight in which the Tigers have yielded more than 500 yards. UAB quarterback Darrell Hackney, who has never lost to the Tigers, had another solid outing against the U of M. He was 21-of-31 for 398 yards and three touchdowns, all to Roddy White. White caught eight passes for 177 yards and Bradly Chavez added four catches for 82 yards, routinely beating the Memphis blitz. The Tigers, who also had a five-game road winning streak snapped, finished with 463 yards. U of M quarterback Danny Wimprine was 26-of-43 for 347 yards and two touchdowns, but he was intercepted four times. Williams rushed for 92 yards on 24 carries, but was held to fewer than 100 yards for the first time in 14 games. Memphis rallied in the second half to tie the game at 21-all with 13:08 left in the fourth quarter on a 9-yard pass from Wimprine to Tavares Gideon and again at 28-all on Williams's run before UAB put together an explosive two-minute drill. ''A bunch of people missed maybe as good a game as you can see,'' said UAB coach Watson Brown. ''There was great defense at times and great offense at times on both sides. And there was a big play in the kicking game (at the end). I just thought it was a great football game. I know I'm wore out.'' Memphis began its comeback by outscoring UAB, 10-0, in the third quarter, while holding the Blazers to 1 yard. Gideon scored on a 16-yard pass from Wimprine, and Stephen Gostkowski added a 19-yard field goal. After the Tigers tied the game at 21-all, UAB's Roddy White caught a 35-yard scoring strike from Hackney after the Blazers' Nigel Eldridge picked off Wimprine at the UAB 27. It was the second of consecutive interceptions thrown by Wimprine. ''They made plays early and we didn't, and that's pretty much the story,'' Wimprine said. ''We didn't play well enough to win. ''I thought we were going to win (at 21-all) but I made a bad decision late and threw the ball out there when I shouldn't have. It was a rookie mistake.'' Tiger defensive end Marcus West said what frustrated him most was that Hackney's pre-game assessment -- that the Tigers can't outplay the Blazers in the final quarter -- came true. ''He called it,'' West said. ''He said we couldn't win in the fourth quarter. We fought to the last minute, but we didn't make the plays when we had to in the fourth quarter.'' Hackney said he wasn't planning on Corey White's heroics in the closing seconds. He said the Blazers were trying to set up kicker Nick Hayes, who had missed two 41-yard field goals, including one midway through the fourth. ''This was one of the best wins I have experienced at UAB,'' Hackney said. The Tigers, who return home to play Houston Saturday, trailed by 18 at the half, but it could have been worse. The Tigers recovered a fumble on UAB's opening drive after the Blazers had reached the Memphis 7. And late in the opening quarter, Hayes -- who made 17-of-20 field goals last season -- uncharacteristically missed his first 41-yard attempt. But UAB survived those missed opportunities behind an offense that generated 363 yards, including 272 passing yards by Hackney. Memphis was limited to 158 yards and only 56 rushing. ''I wanted so bad to break that streak,'' said Gideon, who finished with five catches for 71 yards and two TDs. ''I wanted to go out and stop that streak.'' -- Phil Stukenborg: 529-2543

09/26/04		Tigers almost defenseless (Commercial Appeal)
		By Zack McMillin Contact September 26, 2004 BIRMINGHAM -- For the University of Memphis defense, the numbers are getting worse. Four games into the 2004 season, there is no other way to interpret them. For a unit that finished the nation ninth in total defense in 2003, they are downright embarrassing. UAB's offense, shut down last week at Florida State, rolled up 539 yards of total offense on the Tigers in a 35-28 victory. That it came one week after giving up 507 yards of total offense to Arkansas State means another week of watching what amounts to horror flicks in the filmroom for the defense. ''We've got to go see where we are making mistakes and why we are coming out so bad," said U of M defensive lineman Marcus West. After four games, opponents are now averaging 406 yards per game of total offense -- and one of those opponents was Division 1-AA Chattanooga. It has gotten worse each game -- from Ole Miss's 240 to Chattanooga's 338 to the last two half-millennium debacles. Tiger coach Tommy West did not fault Memphis's man-blitz schemes favored by defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn so much as basic fundamentals. ''I didn't see a lot of busts, so it's not missed assignments,'' Tommy West said. ''Defensively the biggest thing for us is we've got to get off blocks.'' UAB had 363 yards of total offense in the first half alone. For the game, UAB quarterback Darrell Hackneywas 21-of-31 passing for 398 yards and three touchdowns. UAB's top receiver, Roddy White, finished with eight catches for 177 yards and three touchdowns. He spent much of the night taking advantage of U of M defensive back Cameron Essex, and the Tigers were also hampered by the early loss of safety Scott Vogel, who left with a sprained knee. ''It's easy to blame the secondary,'' said Tommy West,'' but I'm telling you, if you're going to bring the blitz and he can hold it as long as they're holding it right now, nobody's going to cover it that long.'' UAB coach Watson Brown, having faced many of Dunn's defenses over the years, preached patience to his offense. ''They are going to get big plays,'' Brown said, ''and the key is that you've got to get your big plays. ''They are playing blitz-man and when they went all-out blitz, now, we've got some good wideouts.'' The defense almost redeemed itself with a big third-quarter and with those big plays Brown told his team to expect. Vogel had a part in the first, when he recovered a first-quarter fumble, deep in Tiger territory, off a sack of Hackney by linebacker Tim Goodwell -- reversing the order of the sack-and-recovery that won the Arkansas State game. Big plays in the third quarter limited UAB to only 1 yard of total offense in the first 15 minutes of the second half. The biggest was an interception by linebacker O.C. Collins on a pass bobbled by UAB running back Dan Burks. That set up a field goal that cut it to 21-13 with more than 20 minutes left in the game. An Albert Means sack of Hackney midway through the fourth quarter stopped another UAB drive, but the Blazers regained their rhythm on the game's final two drives. Hackney hit White for a for a 35-yard touchdown that gave UAB a 28-21 lead, and then running back Corey White busted through the line for the 30-yard touchdown run with 13 seconds left. White was untouched on the play. ''We knew after last week we had to come out and play,'' Marcus West said. ''But we didn't.'' -- Zack McMillin; 529-2564

09/26/04		Calkins: No great escape this time, just a sense of defeat (Commercial Appeal)
		By Geoff Calkins Contact September 26, 2004 BIRMINGHAM — They all stood at the end, the thousands of Memphis fans who had made the trip down Highway 78 to Legion Field, curious to see how their Tigers would win this one. They would find a way, of course. They always did. They did against Ole Miss, they did against Arkansas State, they did in nine of the last 10 games they’d played. It didn’t matter that just three seconds remained. It didn’t matter that their guys were were 53 yards away. "I expected to win," said quarterback Danny Wimprine. "I always do." Wimprine rolled left. Fired deep. The ball bounced in the air, hearts leapt and then ... Hmmmpf. So that’s what a Memphis loss looks like. It had been so long, it was getting hard to remember. The UAB Blazers won a spellbinder over the Tigers Saturday night, 35-28. Not to meddle or anything, but head coach Tommy West might give some thought to starting next week’s pregame speech this way: "That was a lousy first half you just played men! Just terrible! If you don’t go out and play better this half, there’s going to be heck to pay!" What is it about the Tigers and slow starts, anyway? They played lousy in the first half against Chattanooga. They played lousier in the first half against Arkansas State. They played lousiest in the first half against UAB. It was hideous, putrid, insert your own favorite adjective. Here are some numbers from the half: 16, 30, 25, 11, 28, 14, 23, 13, 39, 14, 35, 33, 17, 26. Care to guess what they are? Actual gains by UAB players. UAB had 201 yards in the first quarter, 363 yards by halftime. Joe Lee Dunn’s defense was making UAB look like Arkansas State or something. "I’m stunned right now," said Keith Ellis, a Memphis fan who made the trip down, pondering the 21-3 halftime deficit. "But I still believe in miracles." Smart man, Ellis. He’s been there, done that. Sure enough, the Tigers scrambled back into it. Wimprine threw a touchdown pass. O.C. Collins scooped up a bobble. The next thing you know, Wimprine was zipping a two-point conversion to Tavares Gideon for a 21-21 ballgame. The band played. The players knew. "We were going to go ahead and win," said Memphis center Gene Frederic. "At that point, I didn’t think they could stop us." What reasonable person felt otherwise? That’s the ultimate measure of what these Tigers have accomplished over the last season and a half. They’ve changed the expectations for the program. Once, you just knew they’d find a way to lose. Now, you just know they’ll find a way to win. It didn’t matter when UAB scored again, either. Memphis came right back with another touchdown. DeAngelo Williams zig-zagged in from the 11. That made it 28-28. Overtime, baby! Except UAB sprung a long kick return. And UAB scored another touchdown. And Wimprine’s final fling was picked off. And, hey, who forgot to restock the miracles? So now the Tigers are in an interesting position. Picking themselves up after a loss. Rebounding. "This isn’t how I wanted it to go," said Wimprine. "I don’t have a lot to say. It’s frustrating." He walked away, angry and disappointed. Memphis lost a football game. It’s been a while hasn’t it? Contact Geoff Calkins at 529-2364; E-mail: or send an e-mail. You can hear his radio show, "Sportstime with George Lapides and Geoff Calkins," from 8 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday on WHBQ-AM (560).

09/26/04		University of Memphis Postgame (Commercial Appeal)
		go figure 201 UAB's total yardage in the first quarter, a figure that included 171 passing yards by quarterback Darrell Hackney. 5-113 UAB receiver Roddy White's catches and yardage at the half. Two of the catches went for touchdowns. 1 The number of yards the Tiger defense held UAB to in the third quarter (after allowing 363 in the first half. 92 The number of rushing yards by Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams. His streak of 100-yard rushing games ended at 13. Turning point It came on the kickoff following Memphis running back DeAngelo Williams's 11-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 28-28 with 1:37 left. Memphis kicker Patrick Byrne sent his kickoff to the left corner and 2 yards deep in the end zone. Reggie Lindsey hesitated, brought the ball up the right sideline, busted through a group of UAB blockers and sprinted to the Blazer 47. It put UAB in position to drive 53 yards in five plays, scoring the game-winner on a 30-yard run with 13 seconds left. Unsung hero UAB offensive lineman Quinton Harris threw the block that sprung Corey White for the game-winning TD. On first-and-10 from the Memphis 30, White followed the leveling block of Harris on Tiger linebacker Tim Goodwell and went untouched to extend UAB's winning streak in the series to five games. Odds and ends With an unbeaten team to follow and only a four-hour drive to see them, Tiger fans took up a significant portion of the east stands Saturday. Tiger athletic director R.C. Johnson estimated the crowd at 4,000. Johnson said the Tigers sold their allotment of 1,000 tickets during the week. It marked the third straight road game to which the Tigers brought a huge crowd. Memphis brought about 10- to 12,000 to the season opener at Ole Miss and about 8,000 to last weekend's game at Arkansas State. Representatives from the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and the GMAC Bowl in Mobile attended the game. It was the third appearance by the GMAC Bowl to see Memphis play. The Liberty Bowl, the New Year's Eve bowl game played in Memphis and matching the champions from Conference USA and the Mountain West, also has been at the U of M's three road games in addition to the team's lone home game against 1-AA Chattanooga. Murray Cape made the trip from Mobile for the GMAC Bowl and Liberty Bowl executive director Steve Ehrhart and his assistant, Harold Graeter, represented the Memphis bowl. Rugby-style punts were the order of the night. Memphis, which has been using the punt-on-the-run kicks for three seasons, had, as usual, quarterback Danny Wimprine handling most of the punts. Backup quarterback Bobby Robison had the U of M's first punt. UAB punted only once in the first half, but it was a rugby-style attempt by Parker Mullins. The punt traveled 28 yards to the Memphis 37. Tiger safety Scott Vogel was injured on his 21-yard fumble return in the first quarter. A sprained knee was diagnosed and Vogel did not return to the game. He spent the second half of the game in street clothes. Tiger coach Tommy West said it was difficult "to miss a good player'' like Vogel. In the fourth quarter, Wimprine threw interceptions on two consecutive passes. The first, intended for fullback Robert Douglas, ended a promising Tiger drive and seemed to give the momentum back to the Blazers; strong safety Dominique Cosper read the play, picked off the pass at the UAB 10 and returned it 41 yards to the Tiger 49. The next one came after Wimprine pumped once before firing a high lob deep that was tipped before landing into the hands of a leaping Nigel Eldridge, a linebacker who had hustled back into coverage. West took the blame for the first pass, but said Wimprine knew better on the second and should've thrown it away. UAB kicker Nick Hayes, a candidate for the Lou Groza Award, missed two 41-yard field goal attempts, one in the first quarter and another, with game tied 21-21, in the fourth quarter. UAB coach Watson Brown said he almost let his players talk him out of the second attempt, on fourth-and-1 from the U of M 24. "Obviously, they were right," Brown said. U of M senior receiver Tavares Gideon had another big night, catching five passes for 71 yards and two touchdowns. For the season, Gideon has five of Memphis's nine receiving touchdowns. After Eldridge's interception, the game was delayed for more than 10 minutes as trainers tended to UAB safety Justin Whitmore, who broke his leg and was taken to an area hospital. Up next The Tigers return to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Saturday to play host to Houston in homecoming. The U of M has defeated Houston two of the past three seasons, but both wins have come in Houston. The Tigers lost to the Cougars, 26-21, in 2002 and 33-30 in three overtimes in 2000. Memphis hasn't beaten Houston at the Liberty Bowl since in 1997. Audible ''It (ticks) me off because this was my last opportunity to beat this team,'' -- Tiger fifth-year senior quarterback Danny Wimprine on watching UAB beat Memphis for the fifth straight time. -- Phil Stukenborg and Zack McMillin

09/26/04		Colleges: (volleyball, soccer) (Commercial Appeal)
		Memphis volleyball team captures tournament crown The University of Memphis was able to hold off a strong UNC-Greensboro surge to win 3-1 (30-17, 30-13, 28-30, 30-24) and take home the UNCG Invitational Tournament volleyball title Saturday in Greensboro, N.C. The Tigers improved to 15-4 with their eighth consecutive win and second straight tournament championship. Senior setter Heather Watts received the Tournament's MVP honors, while fellow senior outside hitter Tiara Gilkey garnered all-tournament accolades. Memphis dominated play in both of the first two games, holding the Spartans to 17 and 13 points, respectively. The Tigers jumped on the Spartans early, putting up a 4-0 run to go ahead 14-10 halfway through the game. Three service aces by Christen Clayton highlighted a 7-0 surge by the Tigers that gave them a 10-point lead. Memphis ended the game by scoring 14 of the final 18 points for a 30-17 win. Game two was much like the first as the Tigers finished the game on a 19-5 run. A 7-0 run pushed Memphis to a 19-7 advantage, before a 10-3 outburst closed the contest out at 30-13. UNCG would not be swept at home, however, as it battled to a win in game three. The game saw 12 ties, with the last coming at 26-26 before UNCG's momentum carried them to victory. Memphis's strength came through in the fourth game as it battled the UNCG momentum and took an 11-7 lead. Memphis erased that four-point advantage with a 5-0 run that was capped by a Shelby Burton kill. Memphis led until the Spartans made a 6-2 run to knot the game at 23. Memphis then got a pair of kills from Nancy Nellans and Watts added another to close the match out with a 30-24 win of the fourth game. Tiara Gilkey led the Tigers with a double-double performance of 17 kills and 14 digs. Memphis soccer prevails Dayton O'Brien's two assists and game-winning goal pushed the visiting University of Memphis men's soccer team past Charlotte, 3-2, at Transamerica Field. The four-point game added to his three points from assists on Wednesday against Evansville to give the junior forward a combined seven points on the week. The goal is O'Brien's third of the season and his second game-winner. O'Brien now has seven assists, two more than the conference assist leader had in the 2003 season. He now leads the team with 13 points. With a 5-2-0 overall record through the first seven games, the Tigers are off to their best start since going 5-2-0 to begin the 1993 season. CBU women triumph The Christian Brothers Lady Buccaneer volleyball team hit .340 as a team and defeated the Ouachita Baptist Lady Tigers three games to none in Arkadelphia, Ark. CBU (7-5, 1-2 GSC) hit .478 in game one and .378 in game two en route to a sweep of the Lady Tigers. OBU (6-4, 0-1 GSC) fell victim to 15 service aces from the Lady Bucs.

09/26/04		Women's Soccer Wins Third Straight With 1-0 Win Over Evansville -- Shelton nets game-winner with just over 5 minutes remaining (GoTigersGo.com)
		Memphis, Tenn. - Senior co-captain Mary Shelton scored her first goal of the season with just over five minutes remaining in the game to break a scoreless tie and give the Memphis women's soccer team a 1-0 win over Evansville on Sunday afternoon in their final non-conference game of the year. The win is the third straight for Memphis, a season high, and improves the Tigers' record to 7-2 on the year. The Tigers had countless opportunities to get on the scoreboard prior to Shelton's goal, as they outshot Evansville 29-10 in the game, and 17-3 in the first half, but they were unable to capitalize. Vicki Greenwell led Memphis with a team-high six shots while Melissa Savage had five and Carla Scanniello four. However, Memphis put just ten of those 29 shots on goal and Evansville keeper Whitney Raeon made eight saves. Finally, at the 84:14 mark, Memphis finally found a hole in the Purple Aces' defense as Monica Powell beat her defender down the endline on the right side of the goal. She made a crossing pass in front of the goal, where Shelton was there waiting to head it into the upper left corner of the goal. Natalie Haerens made five saves in goal for the Tigers to record her fourth shutout of the year and her sixth win. The shutout is the fifth on the season for the team. "Evansville always seems to play us tough and this year was no different," said Memphis coach Brooks Monaghan. "It could have been a two or three-goal game in our advantage in the first half but they hung in there and generated some chances of their own. I am happy that we finally finished a chance late in the game and this gives us a good confidence boost going into full-swing conference play on a three-game winning streak." The Tigers end the month of September with a 7-2 record, by far the most wins ever in that month and with their best start to a season ever. They will begin the month of October next weekend with a two-game trip to Texas to take on TCU on Friday and Houston on Sunday.

09/26/04		Alex Tjioe Falls in C Consolation Singles Championship -- Dirnstorfer falls in A Consolation semifinals (GoTigersGo.com)
		CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Sophomore Alex Tjioe downed teammate Katherin Kohl, 6-2, 6-0 to advance to the finals of the C Consolation Singles bracket at the Chattanooga/Baras Fall Classic, before falling to Chattanooga's Kristy Wilson, 2-6, 6-2, 1-0 in the finals. Tjioe was the only Lady Tiger to advance to the finals, after senior Marlene Dirnstorfer was downed 7-5, 2-6, 1-0, in the A Consolation semifinals by Jacksonville State's Zeynep Gurkaynak. The Lady Tiger tennis team returns to action at the Middle Tennessee Fall Invitational, Oct. 8-10th, in Murfreesboro. A Singles Round of 32 Brooke Cowie (UM) def. Erin Moakler (Lipscomb), 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 No. 2 seed Marlene Dirnstorfer (UM) received a first round bye Round of 16 Jaclyn Leeper (Murray State) def. No. 2 Marlene Dirnstorfer (UM), 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 Julia von Samson (UAB) def. Brooke Cowie (UM), 6-2, 6-2 A Singles - Consolation Bracket Second Round Erin Moakler (Lipscomb) def. Brooke Cowie (UM), score not available Marlene Dirnstorfer (UM) received a bye Quarterfinals Marlene Dirnstorfer (UM) def. Delaine Hare (Wofford), 6-7, 6-0, 1-0 Semifinals Gurkaynak Zeynep (Jacksonville State