Clemson Wins Home Opener 3-1

Sept. 8, 2000

CLEMSON, SC – Clemson won their first round match and home opener in the eleventh annual Big Orange Bash Friday night at Jervey Gym. The Tigers defeated the Davidson Wildcats 15-5, 15-6, 10-15, 15-7. After winning game one handily, Clemson fought back from a 6-1 deficit in game two to score 14 unanswered points and win game two. The Wildcats won game three 15-10 before the Tigers regrouped to take a 7-0 lead they would not relinquish in the final game.

“We are very excited to get our first win of the season,” said head coach Jolene Jordan Hoover. “Davidson is a solid team and we had a huge advantage being at home with the terrific support of our fans.”

Jodi Steffes led the Tigers with a .420 hitting percentage, 22 kills, 20 digs, and two service aces. Kiki Dallao tallied 18 kills with 11 digs while Meredith Kirtland added 17 kills and 21 digs. Jessi Betcher had a match-high 65 assists with two service aces and 18 digs.

Davidson was led by Mara Mordini who tallied 24 kills and 13 digs. Brooke Bentley and Jennifer Ortega added 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Erica Schwartz accumulated 55 assists and a team-high 16 assists.

The Big Orange Bash continues Saturday as Clemson plays Akron at 10:00 a.m., followed by South Florida against Davidson at noon. Davidson and Akron square off at 4:30 p.m. while Clemson and South Florida wrap the tournament up with a 7:00 p.m. match.