Clemson Claims Big Orange Bash

Sept. 11, 2004

Clemson volleyball claimed its seventh Big Orange Bash under current head coach Jolene Jordan Hoover on Saturday afternoon with a 3-0 defeat (30-27, 30-20, 30-13) of Louisiana-Lafayette. The Tigers won all three of their matches, while runner-up Coastal Carolina went 2-1.

“I am really proud of the team going 3-0 this weekend,” Hoover said. “This will help going into a tough week with Georgia at home on Tuesday and going to Florida next weekend for a tournament.”

The win improved Clemson’s overall record to 7-2, while the Ragin’ Cajuns fell to 2-8 with the loss. Clemson was led once again by Leslie Finn, who was voted Most Valuable Performer at the event. Finn had a match-best 17 kills to go along with four service aces. Her 17 kills gave her 60 for the two-day event.

Clemson had 11 service aces and nine team blocks in the match. Lori Ashton and Brittany Ross were also selected to the All-Big Orange Bash squad.

The Ragin’ Cajuns were led by Anahi Torrico, who hit .211 for the match. Katelynn Stiefel handed out 24 assists, while Erika Castro recorded three service aces.

Trailing 8-6 in the first game against the Cajuns, the Tigers then scored 10 of the next 11 to take a 16-9 lead. In game two, freshman Meghan Steiner had three kills and five block assists to lead the Tigers. Clemson got off to a 10-0 lead in the third game, all with Stephanie Haskell serving. The Tigers extended the lead to 19-3 after three consecutive service aces by Leslie Mansfield. Clemson took six of the last seven points to win the final game 30-13.

In the first Saturday match, Coastal Carolina defeated Central Michigan 3-0 (30-28, 30-17, 30-28). Katherine Jensen, an All-Tournament selection, had 14 kills and 15 digs to lead the Chanticleers. Emily Lovejoy, an All-Tournament selection for the Chippewas, had 14 kills and a .294 hitting percentage.

Central Michigan claimed third place in the event, while Louisiana-Lafayette came in fourth.

Clemson returns to action Tuesday night at 7:00 PM with a Solid Orange…One Clemson event versus border rival Georgia. Admission is free to the event.

All-Big Orange Bash Team Emily Lovejoy, Central Michigan Katherine Jensen, Coastal Carolina Laura Obert, Coastal Carolina Lori Ashton, Clemson Brittany Ross, Clemson Hope Webre, Louisiana-Lafayette

Big Orange Bash MVP Leslie Finn, Clemson