Wright State Spoils Clemson Volleyball Home Opener

Sept. 7, 2001

CLEMSON, SC – The Clemson volleyball team opened its 2001 home slate with the Big Orange Bash Friday night at Jervey Gym. In the early match, UNC Wilmington defeated Appalachian State 3-0, and then Wright State spoiled the Tigers’ home opener with a 3-1 victory in the nightcap.

UNC Wilmington defeated Appalachian State in straight games (30-26, 30-27, 30-21). The Seahawks hit .250 for the match, while the Mountaineers posted a .281 hitting percentage. UNC Wilmington’s Brittany Sutton led all hitters with 14 kills and a ,458 hitting percentage. Heather White and Ginger Bardbury tallied nine digs each, and Bradbury led the team in assists with 27.

Appalachian State was led by Jackie Jennings who recorded 11 kills and three blocks. Amber Mangrum tallied 27 assists with five digs and two service aces. With the win, UNC Wilmington improves to 5-0 on the season, while Appalachian State drops to 0-5.

In the Clemson home opener, Wright State recorded a .298 hitting percentage while holding the Tigers to .235. Clemson’s Jodi Steffes led all hitters with 23 kills and 13 digs, while Lori Ashton added 19. Anne Berki was the only other Tiger in double figures with 10. Jessi Betcher tallied 63 assists while Ryane Beasley led the Tigers in blocks with three (one solo).

Karis Day led the Wright State offense with 22 kills and added four blocks. Andrea Voss and Tricia Naseman recorded double-doubles. Naseman tallied 18 kills with 13 digs, and Voss contributed 13 kills with 19 digs. Liza Osterhage was the only other Raider in double figure kills with 17. Mandy Gels tallied 66 assists with 15 digs, and Alison Sipiorski led all blockers with eight (two solo). With the win, Clemson falls to 2-3 overall, and Wright State improves to 4-1.

The Big Orange Bash concludes Saturday. At 10:00 a.m., Clemson hosts UNC Wilmington followed by Appalachian State and Wright State at noon. UNC Wilmington and Wright State square off at 4:30 p.m., and the Tigers wrap up the tournament with a match against Appalachian State.