Sept. 8, 2007

Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -

Memphis 3, Mississippi State 2
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Mississippi State... (2) 30 18 31 20 12
Memphis............. (3) 27 30 29 30 15

Shelby Burton continued her dominance on Saturday, downing 25 kills versus Arkansas-Little Rock and 20 more against Mississippi State, as Memphis split day two of the Memphis Invitational Tournament to earn a runner-up finish on the weekend. The Tigers fell to UALR, 3-1, before rebounding with a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Bulldogs. Burton and fellow senior Ashley Liford were both named to the Memphis Invitational All-Tournament team. UALR claimed the tournament title, finishing with a perfect 3-0 record.

Burton and the Tigers clinched second-place in their home tournament with an impressive comeback over a strong Mississippi State squad. Burton posted one of her most complete performances in a Memphis uniform, making 10 blocks and adding five service aces. Liford and Sarah Bury each recorded their second consecutive double-double outings. Liford downed 16 kills to go with 11 digs, while Bury had 11 kills and made 19 digs. Setter Laura Côté also notched a double-double, making 13 digs and setting 56 assists.

Memphis' defensive intensity was fueled by a match-best 23 digs by libero Christine Bach. Defensive specialist Beck Shaffer chipped in with 10 digs.

After falling behind 1-0, Memphis bounced back with a strong effort in the second period. They held Mississippi State to a lowly .086 attacking percentage to even the slate at 1-1. The Bulldogs outlasted the Tigers to pull ahead 2-1 after three games. With its backs against the wall, Memphis' defense again held MSU under .100 hitting to gain momentum in a 30-20 win. They took that energy into the deciding game, but trailed 8-5 when the teams switched sides on the court. Memphis scored the next two points to close its deficit to 8-7 and force a Bulldogs timeout. A blast by Burton broke a 12-12 tie and the Tiger middle blocker then served up a pair of aces for the win.

UALR 3, Memphis 1
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UALR................ (3) 30 37 19 30
Memphis............. (1) 27 35 30 25

Burton hammered 25 kills and hit .641 in the opener, but it was not enough for the Tigers as UALR handed them a four-game loss. Liford (16 kills, 15 digs) and Bury (10 kills, 13 digs) knocked double-doubles, while Côté dished out 51 assists. Bach made a match-high 18 digs.