MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis Volleyball team fell 3-1 to Wichita State in its American Athletic Conference opener Wednesday night. Tigers (6-7) were led by Clara Bednarek with 12 kills and a .409 hitting percentage. Hannah Jones tallied 11 kills and Tiffany Snook followed with 10. The opening set saw back and forth action until Wichita State (6-7) used a 6-0 run to put the visitors ahead 16-11. Memphis battled back with a 5-1 run to pull within two, but the Shockers won four of the last five points to take the first set, 25-20.
Memphis led 3-0 out of the gate in the second set before the Shockers responded with a run of their own to tie the score. The set remained close with neither team having more than a two-point advantage until the Tigers pushed through at the end, winning the frame, 26-24.
The Tigers found themselves in an 8-4 hole to start the third set. Wichita State went on an 8-2 run to extend the lead to double digits before taking a 25-13 victory.
Wichita State carried its momentum into the fourth set, going up 5-0. Memphis tried to fight back with a 5-2 run to close the gap, however, the Shockers stopped the Tigers with a 5-1 run. Wichita State held the lead throughout the rest of the set, winning 25-16.
UP NEXT
The Tigers will play at home on Sunday at the Larry O. Finch Center against UAB at 1 p.m. The game will be available to stream on ESPN+.