The Herald Online

Issue date: 10/9/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Laura Harrison Junior Konae Purcell and sophomore Laura Bennett celebrate during Tuesday's game against Memphis.

Media Credit: Laura Harrison Sophomore Laura Bennett averages 11.23 assists a game for the Red Wolves. The Red Wolves defeated Memphis in four sets on Tuesday. They improve their record to 15-4.

Going into the half tied at one set apiece, the Arkansas State volleyball team showed they were the more determined team in winning the final two sets of the match.

"I knew it would take a strong effort against Memphis after what they have been doing this season and what they have been able to do," head coach Craig Cummings said. "We needed a good strong challenge to prepare us for our upcoming conference games this weekend.

The Red Wolves defeated the Memphis Tigers in four sets 25-23, 18-25, 25-20 and 25-22 Tuesday night at the Convocation Center.

"For our team to play as hard as they did and weather some storms like they did in game two and to come back out in game three and change our mindset, I'm real proud of them, absolutely," Cummings said after the victory.

Several players contributed to the ASU (15-4) win. Junior outside hitter Konae Purcell led the team with 15 kills on 38 attacks. Sophomore outside hitter Kristen Catalane had 16 digs and 11 kills while senior outside hitter Mafo Joelle had 12 kills. Also joining in was 6-1 freshman middle blocker Cayla Fielder, finishing with 10 kills, eight blocks and two aces.

"Each individual has the capability to add a spark," Cummings said. "Attitude is everything, and we have been trying to channel that into our play these last few matches, and tonight was a great example of how it can be powerful and that if you stay steady and positive, it will affect your outcome."

The victory provided ASU with some revenge after losing to the Tigers in three sets last year.

After starting the match winning one set each, both teams started the third game strong and were tied 19-19 until ASU closed out the game with a 6-1 run. The Red Wolves carried the momentum into the fourth game for the victory.

"We had been working on trying to cut down on errors and be smart with the ball, and it made a difference," Cummings said. "We had to change how we played and get that aggressive and attacking mentality again. Hats off to the ladies; they just did a job tonight."

ASU wore pink shoelaces during the match in honor of the month of October and breast cancer awareness.

"Our warm-up shirts are pink as well," Cummings said. "It just helps us to keep up with something that's important. All of us have somebody that has been touched by cancer and I think it's just important to keep that awareness."

The Red Wolves next game will be Friday at 7 p.m. at the Convocation Center. They will follow that with a 3 p.m. home game against Western Kentucky on Saturday.

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