Tigers Edged By South Carolina In Five-Game Thriller

Sept. 10, 2002

COLUMBIA, SC – The Clemson volleyball team lost a five-game thriller, 3-2 (30-22, 30-16, 25-30, 23-30, 15-4), to the 23rd-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks Tuesday evening at the Volleyball Competition Facility on the campus of South Carolina. Clemson dropped the first two games before rallying to win games three and four. South Carolina outhit the Tigers in the decisive game to win the match. The Tigers record stands at 4-4 overall, while the Gamecocks improve to 6-1.

On the night, Clemson hit .215 and South Carolina recorded a .321 hitting percentage. The Tigers held the edge at the net, recording eight team blocks to the Gamecocks seven team blocks. South Carolina served up 12 aces to the Tigers five.

Three Tigers recorded double-digit kills against South Carolina. Lori Ashton led the team with a match-high 16 kills and three blocks. Sophomore Leslie Finn and Ryane Beasley tallied 15 kills each, and Finn posted a team-high .344 hitting percentage. Jessi Betcher handed out 43 assists with 17 digs, and Carly Hill added two service aces with 12 digs. Lindsey Abbott also recorded 10 digs, and Marija Zoric led the team with five blocks.

Clemson returns to action on Friday at the 4 Points Sheraton/Red Raider Classic hosted by Texas Tech. The Tigers will face Texas Tech on Friday, and Arizona State on Saturday.