Tigers Rally To Defeat Wake Forest, 3-2, In Volleyball Action On Thursday Night

Sept. 22, 2005

CLEMSON, SC – The Tiger volleyball (6-3, 1-0 ACC) team captured a thrilling, five-game victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Thursday night. Clemson was down 2-1 entering the fourth game but rallied to tie the score at two wins apiece. The Tigers then claimed the fifth game for their sixth win of the season, while the Demon Deacons fell to 7-3 (0-1 ACC).

Clemson rookie Danielle Hepburn set a freshman record with 12 total blocks in the match. Her 10 block assists put her among the top five in school history in that statistical category as well. Hepburn also posted 12 kills for the Tigers, a career high for the Miami, FL native. Jeannette Abbott contributed 24 kills in the effort, while Brittany Ross added 17. Meghan Stanton also tied a career high with 13 kills for Clemson. As a team, the Tigers recorded 17 total blocks, which adds the match to the record books in a tie for number five for most blocks.

“I have to give a lot of credit to Wake Forest for the way they played tonight,” Head Coach Jolene Jordan Hoover said. “It is tough on the road, but it was frustrating for us because we kept stopping our own runs with missed serves.”

“With the double round robin, a win is a win so we’ll take it,” she added in reference to the 22-match conference schedule adopted this season.

The Tigers claimed the first game, 30-24, after scoring seven of the last nine points. However, Wake Forest responded by winning games two and three by scores of 30-25 and 30-27, respectively, to take a 2-1 lead in the match. In the fourth game, Clemson rallied after being down 22-19 to win the game, 30-27, on one of Hepburn’s 12 kills. The Tigers came out strong in the fifth game, taking an 11-2 lead before closing it out at 15-8.

Lauren Peterson led the Demon Deacons with 16 kills.

Clemson will host the Duke Blue Devils on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7:00 PM in Jervey Gym. Livestats will be available for the ACC contest by accessing www.clemsontigers.com.