University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
SMU
Tigers Volleyball Open Four-Match Homestand
Oct 13, 2016 | Women's Volleyball
Memphis hosts SMU Friday, Tulsa Sunday at Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Finally, an extended home stay for the University of Memphis volleyball squad.
After spending four of the last five weekends on the road, the Tigers return to the friendly confines of the Elma Roane Fieldhouse to open a four-match homestand. This weekend, Memphis welcomes American Athletic Conference foes SMU and Tulsa to the Bluff City.
The Tigers face the Mustangs Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. (CT), and then host Tulsa Sunday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. (CT).
Although the league slate has not started well for the Tigers (8-10, 0-6 The American), head coach April Jauregui is quick to remind her squad and fans that the season is far from over.
"We have a lot of matches left to play this season," Jauregui said. "Last year, we were 5-9 with six matches left and ended up with a 10-10 league record and finished in a tie for fourth place. It's a long conference season, and we have to work hard every day and keep focused on our goals."
The four-match homestand is the Tigers' longest since they opened 2016 with six-straight at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse in their two season-opening tournaments. Jauregui says the Tigers are excited about playing at home for an extended period of time.
"Going on the road so much can be brutal, but every team has to do it," Jauregui said. "The travel takes a toll mentally more than physically. It's hard to grind it out every day in practice and see improvement, but not see the results we want in the win-loss column.
"To be at home for the next couple of weeks is a good thing. We'll be able to get some rest and downtime between matches instead of traveling. The players will be able to get their legs back."
Memphis, though, returns home to face two tough foes in SMU and Tulsa. The Mustangs (13-6, 6-1 The American) currently sit atop The American standings with a 6-1 league record. SMU dropped its first conference match Oct. 9 to Temple, but bounced back with a victory over Tulsa Wednesday. The Golden Hurricane (13-6, 2-5 The American) enter Sunday's match-up on a four-game losing streak, but have had some close calls this season. Of Tulsa's seven conference matches, three have gone five sets.
"Just when we're able to come home, we have to face SMU and Tulsa," said Jauregui. "But, as I've said many times, there are no easy matches in our conference. Out of our first six conference matches, three teams were among the top-75 in the nation (RPI).
"SMU is very good and is in first place in the league standings. They dropped a tough one to Temple last Sunday. SMU has a lot of weapons. Tulsa has been battling with a lot of teams in the conference, playing several five-set matches."
While the results haven't been what the Tigers wanted to this point, their head coach still believes the 2016 squad can turn things around.
"I'm still confident in what this team can achieve," said Jauregui. "We have the right pieces, but we just have to get it clicking. This weekend, our goal is to put our best on the floor. I'm excited for the challenge."
