Clemson Volleyball Claims Five-Game Thriller Over Georgia

Sept. 4, 2002

CLEMSON, SC – In a five-game thriller at Jervey Gym, the Clemson volleyball team picked up its first win of the young season against SEC rival Georgia. The Bulldogs edged the Tigers 31-29 in game one, before Clemson rallied to win games two and three 30-22 and 30-22. Georgia won game four 30-21, but Clemson answered in game five with a convincing 15-8 win to seal the match.

The Tigers were led by sophomore Ryane Beasley who tallied 19 kills with four block assists. Marija Zoric hit .542 with 13 kills and no errors, and added a match-high five blocks (two solo). Her 13 kills was a career record. Lori Ashton also recorded 13 kills with three block assists and two service aces. Senior setter Jessi Betcher tied her career high in kills with seven, while handing out 47 assists and serving up three aces. Her 17 digs were a match-high. Carly Hill and Lindsey Abbott recorded double-figures in digs with 10 and 12, respectively.

Clemson head coach Ryane Beasley did a really nice job leading us and coming through offensively in clutch situations.”

For the Bulldogs, Julie Petruschke tallied a match-high 25 kills with 12 digs. Luresa Forsythe added 12 kills with 12 digs and a team-best four service aces, while Jennie Metz had another double-double for Georgia with 11 kills and 12 digs. Margot Wallace dished out 52 assists with 10 digs, and Liz Pace tallied 12 digs.

With the win, the Tigers improve to 1-3, while the Bulldogs fall to 2-3. Clemson returns to action this weekend at Jervey Gym as the Tigers play host to the Big Orange Bash. The Tigers will face East Carolina on Friday night at 7:00, followed by Jacksonville at 10:00 AM on Saturday. The 2002 Big Orange Bash Tournament concludes Saturday night when Clemson faces George Mason at 7:00 PM. Admission is free to all home Clemson volleyball matches.