Oct. 14, 1999

Memphis, Tenn.-- - The University of Memphis Volleyball team hosts two big Conference-USA matches this weekend.

Friday night, the University of Louisville, which advanced to the 1998 NCAA Sweet Sixteen before losing to Penn State, comes to town for a 7 p.m. match against the Tigers. The Cardinals eliminated Memphis from the second round of the 1998 Conference USA Tournament, 3-0, en route the Conference USA Tournament Championship.

Louisville is 4-1 since senior setter Jing Ding won her eligibility appeal. Ding moved back to starting setter, allowing Emily Roberson to return to the right side.

The Cardinals have been banged up this season, as Lesley Drury suffered a concussion at the Maryland Invitational and Stacey Mercer, who collided with Drury, is nursing a bruise and injured finger, although she is back in the Louisville line-up.

American Division leader Cincinnati comes to town, Sunday, at 2 p.m. The Bearcats are ranked third in the AVCA Division Six poll and rank second in Conference USA in kills (15.81), hitting percentage (.216) and assists (14.06). They are ranked third in blocks (2.31) and digs (17.40).

Two freshmen have stepped up for the Bearcats. Freshman outside hitter Bonita Wise is fifth in the league with a .301 hitting percentage, while Tish Ladusaw is second in C-USA with 3.85 digs per game. Add a senior hitting corps, which is setup by senior setter Annie Gant (who leads the league with 12.87 assists per game), and the Bearcats have lost just three games all year, including a 3-0 loss to No. 16 UCLA at the Kent State Invitational.