Clemson Volleyball Defeats Virginia in Four Games

Oct. 16, 2004

Clemson got outstanding performances from senior leaders Leslie Finn and Lori Ashton on its way to a 3-1 victory (30-23, 30-20, 22-30, 30-26) over Virginia in ACC action from Jervey Gym. The Tigers are now 12-8 overall, 4-4 in the ACC. Virginia fell to 13-7, 3-5 in conference play.

“We really needed this win,” said Jolene Jordan Hoover, head coach at Clemson. “There is so much parity in the ACC. After losing a home match last night, we had to win tonight. We did a great job both offensively and defensively.”

The Tigers hit .354 as a team in the match, led by Ashton’s .429 percentage and Finn at .415. Ashton had a match and season-high 24 kills. She also had four block assists. Finn had 23 kills for the Tigers, upping her season total to 378. Brittany Ross added 14 kills and hit .343 for the Tigers. Anna Vallinch had 26 digs for the Tigers, while Leslie Mansfield had 19.

For Virginia, freshman Sarah Kirkwood had 23 kills and hit .327. Lindsay Osco and Alexis Geocaris added 16 kills apiece. Emily Kirkwood handed out 56 assists for the Cavalier attack.

In the first game, Clemson scored six of seven points to take an insurmountable 26-19 lead. Leading 25-19 in the second game, the Tigers scored five of the last six points to claim victory.

Finn’s nine kills highlighted the Tigers’ third game. With Clemson leading 15-14, Virginia scored eight of the next nine points to lead 22-16. Ashton had nine kills and two service aces in the third game. Leading only 10-8, the Tigers rallied for nine of 11 points to take a commanding 19-10 lead.

The Tigers play their third consecutive match at home Tuesday, October 19 when Wofford visits. The match was added to the schedule last week as a makeup from the Florida Classic. First serve is set for 7:00 PM.