Nov. 8, 2002

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis battled back from a 2-1 deficit to win games four and five and defeat the Charlotte 49ers volleyball team, 3-2, at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse, Friday.

Brittany Barnett had a solid outing for Memphis (18-12, 3-7 C-USA) with 19 kills. Tiara Gilkey added 15 kills, while Shella Nebacame up with 11 kills. Lauren Berg led all players with 21 digs on the night. Courtney Burg led Charlotte (14-13, 5-5 C-USA) with a match-high 22 kills, including seven in a 30-25 game three win for the Niners. Abbey Szlanfucht, who the Tigers could not stop early, finished with 17 kills, while Lisa Newell added 13 kills. Newell led all players with seven total blocks and three service aces.

The 49ers took a 2-1 lead in the match with a 30-25 win in game three. That followed a 30-26 win in the first game and a 25-30 loss in game two. In a match that found momentum swaying back and forth throughout the first three games, the Tigers were energized by what Memphis felt was a controversial call in game four when they were down 20-18. The Tigers rallied to tie that game at 20 apiece and went on to win game four, 30-25. Memphis stormed out of the gate in game five, never really letting Charlotte string together any points and won, 15-9, to clinch the match.

The Niners return to action Saturday, when they play their final road match of the regular-season at Saint Louis. Charlotte closes out the regular-season with three home matches next week. The 49ers host Furman at 7:00 on Tuesday before welcoming Houston and TCU to Halton Arena next weekend.