Clemson Volleyball to Host Orange and White Scrimmage Saturday

Aug. 21, 2009

CLEMSON, SC (ClemsonTigers.com) – The Clemson Volleyball team will host its annual Orange and White Scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 3:00 pm in Jervey Gymnasium. Fans are encouraged to come out and get a preview of the 2009 squad with doors opening at 2:00 pm for the intrasquad scrimmage.

The Tigers will open the 2009 regular season on Friday, Aug. 28 at 7:00 pm as they play host to South Carolina in the Big Orange Bash. The match is designated as the 2009-10 season’s first Solid Orange event.

The team went 23-10 a season ago, placing third in the ACC and hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament. The Tigers beat Tennessee in the first round, advancing to the second round for the second consecutive season.

Volleyball fans will recognize many of the staples of Jolene Jordan Hoover’s lineup, as it features two senior All-Americans in Lia Proctor, as well as Didem Ege, the school’s all-time leader in defensive saves, and an All-ACC member herself. Each of the three was named to the preseason All-ACC team by league coaches. Brittany Fennell and Cansu Ozdemir were starters a season ago as well, and Lisa Jedlicka and Lacy Hayes saw significant action. Hayes will likely play opposite Murphy as a setter.

The team will try to replace departed seniors Jeannette Abbott and 2008 ACC Player of the Year Danielle Hepburn. Coach Hoover has seven new faces to work with in five true freshmen, an eligible transfer, and a student-athlete back from injury. Freshmen Tanya Mirutenko will see time as the defensive specialist.

Brooke Kohler red-shirted after shoulder surgery prior to last season, and is healthy and ready to contribute. Senior Jessica Williams sat out last season after transferring form NC State and will see time as well. Greenville product Katie Sharpe will also give the Tigers another option at defensive specialist.