Clemson Volleyball Defeats Virginia in Conference Opener

Sept. 27, 2002

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Clemson volleyball team opened conference play with a 3-1 (33-31, 27-30, 30-21, 30-28) win over the Virginia Cavaliers in University Hall, improving their record to 10-6 overall and 1-0 in the ACC. With the win head coach Jolene Jordan Hoover, the winningest volleyball coach in Clemson history, recorded her 300th career victory. Hoover has compiled a superb 300-135 record over 13 years of coaching.

The Tigers had four players in double-digit kills, including sophomore Leslie Finn who paced Clemson with 18 kills and 12 digs. Sophomore Ryane Beasley posted 11 kills and nine digs, while sophomore Lori Ashton recorded 13 kills, three blocks and a .524 hitting percentage. Junior Marija Zoric also posted double digit figures with 11 kills and she also recorded three blocks (one solo). Senior Jessi Betcher handed out a match-high 51 assists, and sophomore Stephanie Haskell tallied 16 digs.

The Cavaliers were led by Katie Synan with 22 kills and .359 hitting percentage, while Simona Kuipers recorded 13 kills, four blocks and a .391 hitting percentage. Kristin Chaney handed out 54 assists, and Whitney Ashcraft led the Cavaliers with 29 digs.

The Tigers will travel to College Park, MD to take on the Maryland Terrapins Saturday at 5:00 p.m.