Clemson Volleyball to Play In-State Rival South Carolina Tuesday

Sept. 9, 2002

The Clemson volleyball team will take on in-state rival South Carolina on Sept. 10 in Columbia at the Volleyball Competition Facility. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

The Tigers enter Tuesday’s match with a 4-3 overall record after winning the Big Orange Bash in Clemson, SC. Clemson posted a 4-0 record last week with wins over Georgia (3-2), East Carolina (3-0), George Mason (3-0) and Jacksonville (3-0). On the season, Clemson is 0-1 in away matches, 0-2 at neutral sites, but a perfect 4-0 at home.

Marija Zoric leads the Tigers at the net with 24 total blocks (7 solo) and a .436 hitting percentage. Sophomore Lori Ashton, who was named to the Big Orange Bash and the Howdy’s Pepperdine Classic All-Tournament Team, has recorded 17 blocks (3 solo), a .406 hitting percentage and a team-best 96 kills. Beasley is second on the team in kills with 84 and has tallied 41 digs. Senior Jessi Betcher has handed out 295 assists and recorded a team-best 71 digs, while freshman Carly Hill has served up 12 aces.

The Tigers are 18-29 all-time against the Gamecocks; however under head coach Jolene Jordan Hoover, the Tigers have won four out of the last nine meetings. The last time Clemson beat South Carolina in Columbia was in 1994, as the Tigers swept the Gamecocks 3-0.

In the last meeting with the Gamecocks, Clemson dropped a 3-1 decision in Jervey Gym. The numbers were almost even as Clemson hit .237 for the match, and South Carolina had a .234 hitting percentage. The Tigers dominated the Gamecocks at the net posting 16 total blocks (5 solo), while South Carolina had eight team blocks (two solo). Marija Zoric led Clemson in blocks with nine (one solo).

South Carolina enters the match with a 5-1 record. The Gamecocks most recently defeated Arizona State (3-1), Creighton (3-0) and #13 Pacific (3-0) to capture the Carolina Classic in Columbia, SC.