Clemson Volleyball Hunts for 700th Win in Florida

Sept. 30, 2009

CLEMSON, SC – The Clemson Volleyball team will take on two tough opponents in Miami and #17 Florida State on the road on Friday and Sunday, respectively. The Tigers (10-4, 1-2 ACC) are coming off a 3-0 home win against NC State on Sunday. The program is in search of its 700th victory in team history, as the Tigers currently boast an all-time mark of 699-458.

The Hurricanes (8-5, 1-2 ACC) will be first up for Clemson on Friday night at 7:00 pm in Coral Gables. The Tigers lead the all-time series with Miami, 8-3, and split the season series in 2008, with each team winning on their home floor. Clemson and Miami tied for third in the ACC standings a season ago at 14-6, and will each be trying to jostle for conference position in Friday night’s match.

The Tigers will have their hands full in Tallahassee on Sunday at 1:00 pm, as #17 Florida State (12-1, 3-0 ACC) is off to one of the best starts in school history, achieving their highest-ever ranking. This will be the second time the Tigers have squared off with the #17th-ranked team, as the Tigers fell 3-2 to then-no. 17 Michigan State in Jervey on Sept. 18. Clemson and the `Noles split the season series in 2008, with each team winning on their home floor. Florida State leads the all-time series, 22-19.

Tiger freshman Alexa Rand continues to impress in her first season in NCAA volleyball. She has been a force offensively and defensively, a major reason for Clemson’s solid start. Rand leads the nation in block-assists and is tied for third in the nation in blocking, at 1.54/set. As a team, Clemson ranks third as well, and are one of only six teams averaging more than 3.00 blocks/set.

Clemson has shown a potent offense this season as well. Rand leads the way in hitting pct., as her .397 ranks 17th nationally. The Tigers are hitting.266 as a team, which ranks 23rd of 329 ranked teams. Lia Proctor is second in the ACC in kills/set at 3.60. A key for Clemson will be freshman Natalie Patzin, who is averaging almost four kills per set in matches played away from Jervey.

Fans will be able to follow the action on gametracker as the Tigers make their trek through Florida.