Clemson Volleyball Earns Second-Place Finish in Mizuno/Auburn Challenge

Sept. 18, 2005

AUBURN, AL – The Clemson volleyball team finished second in the 2005 Mizuno/Auburn Challenge after defeating the Furman Paladins, 3-0, on Saturday morning but falling to the Auburn Tigers, 3-0, in the final match of the tournament. The Tigers went 2-1 overall in Auburn, AL, improving to 5-3 for the season.

Libero Anna Vallinch and outside hitter Brittany Ross were named to the all-tournament team after recording 39 digs and 33 kills, respectively.

The team tallied 23 total service aces and posted 22 total team blocks over the weekend

In the morning match, Clemson won the first game over the Paladins by a score of 30-24. Furman kept the score tight, but the Tigers did not let up after taking the lead at 7-6. Anna Vallinch served the final four points for Clemson and setter Courtney Lawrence sealed the game with a kill.

The Tigers started strong in the second game, holding nine-point advantages on four different occasions. Furman made a late run, however, to close the gap to 26-23. Vallinch had 10 defensive saves in the game, helping Clemson take a 2-0 lead in the match with a 30-26 game-two victory.

The Paladins came out of the break fighting and took an early 7-2 lead. Clemson pulled ahead 14-13 with Sue Eckman serving and held a 16-13 advantage before the serve returned to Furman. Freshman Abbott’s 100th career kill put the Tigers up 24-19 and Clemson went on to win the game and match by a score of 30-24.

Against the Paladins, Vallinch tallied 19 digs and Lawrence recorded 36 set assists. Boozer, who scored the final points for Clemson in games two and three, led all hitters with a .357 hitting percentage.

In game one between the two Tiger teams on Saturday night, Auburn jumped out to an early 11-5 lead and Clemson was unable to recover. Clemson trailed the host team by as much as 10 points but was able to narrow the gap to 29-24. The Auburn Tigers scored the last point to claim the game.

Clemson carried the momentum into the second game, leading early, but was unable to hold off Auburn. Auburn scored five points on setter Joanna Pappas’ serve to gain a 14-10 advantage that the team never relinquished, winning the game, 30-26.

Although Clemson fought hard, Auburn proved to be too much, winning the third game by a score of 30-19.

The Tigers return home to Jervey Gym to face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7:00 PM and will welcome the Duke Blue Devils to town on Friday, Sept. 23 for a 7:00 PM match.