After last year’s impressive season, the Skyhawks volleyball team opened their 2003 home season against the Lady Tigers of Memphis Tuesday night.

The Tigers spoiled the Skyhawks hope for a home win and their first win of the season, leaving the Skyhawks with a 3-2 defeat.

After losing their first game 30-20, the Skyhawks rallied to win a hard fought second game with a score of 30-28. Continuing with that momentum, the Skyhawks went on to win game three with a score of 31-29, giving them a 2-1 lead in the match.

However, that momentum was not enough to give the Skyhawks a win as the Tigers came back to win games four and five by a score of 30-25 and 15-12 respectively to claim the match.

The loss gives the Skyhawks a 0-8 record for the season while the Tigers improve to a 7-1 record. The last time the Skyhawks defeated Memphis was in 1997.

Heather Kea lead the Skyhawks with 14 kills and 13 digs in the match and a .256 hitting percentage.

Junior Leigh Reiniche had 13 kills and 13 digs for a double-double.

The Skyhawks return to action today and Saturday when they travel to Bowling Green, Ky., for the Western Kentucky University Tournament.

The Skyhawks next home game will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18. The Skyhawks will take on Arkansas State. Come out and support the Skyhawk volleyball team.