Tigers Host King University in Exhibition

Thursday, November 4

Memphis, Tenn.

7 p.m.

University of Memphis

King University

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Nov 03, 2021 | Women's Basketball

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – In their first official outing of the season, the Tiger women's basketball team will welcome King University to Elma Roane Fieldhouse in an exhibition outing on Thursday night.

"I'm excited for everyone to be able to come back to the Fieldhouse for games, but I'm more excited for our players – to run out and have the city cheering for them is one of the best feelings as a student-athlete," said head coach Katrina Merriweather. "It provides an atmosphere and that is what we're looking for in this game and the rest of the season; we want Elma Roane Fieldhouse to become one of the toughest places to play."

Memphis welcomes back three of their top four scorers from last season in Alana Davis, Madison Griggs and Coriah Beck. Davis, who became the 26^th player in a Tiger uniform to score 1,000 points, will be joined in the post by graduate transfer Tyler Frierson, who comes to Memphis after playing four years at Wright State with Merriweather.

Along with Frierson, Emani Jefferson transferred to Memphis this summer after spending her freshman season in a Raider uniform. She and Maya Stovall, who transferred in the middle of last season from DePaul, will play their first games in a Memphis uniform this season.

"We have six to seven players who are clear cut in their experience and play that we can depend and rely on. But then, we have this big group of newcomers and younger players that have come out with something to prove. So, seeing them compete against each other in practice is one thing, but I'm really excited to see them in a game setting," said Merriweather.

King University, a DII school out of Bristol, Tenn., went 10-7 last year while making it to the semi-final round of the Conference Carolina Championship. The Tornado returns 14 players from last season, including their leading scorers, Trinity Lee and Kiki Samsel.

"I think it is important to teach early on to never underestimate an opponent; respect everyone and fear no one. That is going to be something I reiterate with the team during practice," said Merriweather. "This is a great opportunity for us but it's also a great opportunity for King. They play fast and they play hard so we will need to be ready to go from the tip."

Tip-off on Thursday is set for 7 p.m. in the Elma Roane Fieldhouse. Admission to the game is free.

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