Collegiate athletics: Memphis and Houston prepare for key matchups

Various collegiate athletic programs are entering key matchups and tournaments. In women's soccer, the No. 23 Memphis Tigers recently secured a 3-1 victory over Ole Miss and are preparing to host Houston. Memphis' Ai Kitagawa and Evelyn Mackay have received weekly conference honors following their performances. Houston enters their matchup with a 2-1-2 record.

In football, the University of Houston is set to open its season against Oregon State at TDECU Stadium. The matchup features storylines such as Houston wide receiver Trent Walker facing his former team and Oregon State's new starting quarterback, Braden Atkinson. Due to expected heat, Houston will implement a Heat Management Plan, providing cooling towels and water stations for fans.

In volleyball, the UT Arlington Mavericks are hosting the UTA Tournament at the College Park Center, featuring matches against Kent State, Army, and Sam Houston. Meanwhile, the University of Houston volleyball team is beginning its home slate with the Houston Invitational, scheduled to face Texas Southern, Abilene Christian, and Houston Christian.

In another women's soccer match, the Memphis Tigers played to a 1-1 draw against Houston, with Ellis Kelly scoring her first goal of the season for Memphis.