University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
9-9,1-3American
Rice
7-8,3-1American
Tigers Drop Home Match to Owls
Oct 05, 2025 | Women's Volleyball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Memphis volleyball team (9-9, 1-3 American) dropped a three-set match to Rice (7-8, 3-1 American) inside Elma Roane Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Rice opened the match with a 10-4 run, led by kills from Taylor Preston and Aaliyah Smith to set the tone early. Memphis responded with kills from Janyah Henderson and Za'Niya Boyles, but the Owls maintained control as Kellen Dorotik, Lademi Ogunlana and Preston powered Rice to a 25-13 first-set win.
Memphis carried early momentum into the second set, jumping out to a 7-1 lead behind kills from Riley McCloskey and Boyles, along with a service ace from Maddy Bach. Rice slowly chipped away at the deficit, taking advantage of a pair of aces from Preston and several Memphis attack errors to even the score at 9-9. The Owls built a small cushion midway through the frame and held off a late Memphis push to take the set, 25-21.
Rice raced out to a 10-3 lead behind strong serving from Mari Furoyama and Darby Harris. Memphis found some rhythm midway through the frame with kills from McCloskey and Henderson, but the Owls' front line continued to dominate at the net. Preston and Smith led the attack as Rice closed out the set, 25-16, to complete the sweep.
NOTABLES
- Riley McCloskey set career highs in kills (10), digs (6) and points (10.5).
- It was the first time a Tiger recorded at least 10 kills since a Sept. 26 victory at Tulane.
- Janyah Henderson followed with six kills and 8.5 points.
- Brianna Washington recorded a career-high five blocks.
- Zaniah Hoskins tied her career high with two service aces.
- Maddy Bach totaled 17 assists, her 17th match this season with 10 or more assists.
- Memphis finished with a season-low 27 kills and tied its season low in assists with 26.
- The Tigers posted their second-lowest hitting percentage of the season at .098.
UP NEXT
The Tigers are on the road this coming week with matches at Wichita State and Tulsa on Friday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 12, respectively. Both matches will be broadcast on ESPN+.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Volleyball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
