Nov. 5, 2004
CLEMSON, S.C. - Senior Kim Stern posted six block assists, three solo blocks and 18 kills, while junior Erin Borhart posted her fifth triple-double of the season, to lead the Wake Forest volleyball team to a 3-1 (30-28, 30-24, 22-30, 30-20 ) victory over Clemson, Friday night in Jervey Gym. With the win, the Deacs pick up their third conference win and improve to 11-13 overall, while Clemson falls to 17-11 overall and 6-7 in the ACC. Despite Clemson jumping out to an early 6-0 lead in the first game, the Deacons were able to fight back at 20-16, taking the Tigers on a five point run. Taking over the lead at 26-25, five kills, all with sets from Borhart ended the first game, 30-28. In the second game, the two teams tied the score early, but the Deacs were able to break away and grab a small lead with a 5-1 run. Coming back, Clemson tied the game at 11 all, but Wake quickly broke away again with a kill and a pair of aces by junior Valerie Rydberg. Holding onto the lead, Wake Forest continued to pull ahead and eventually took the second game, 30-24. In the third, Wake jumped out to a 4-1 lead, but the Tigers took over it over with a nine point run. Unable to catch up, Clemson found its only game of the night, 30-22. In the fourth and final game, Klarysa Henry came to the line at 2-4 and served for four points, giving the Deacons an early lead. Holding on to it, Henry once again came to the line and served up another trio that was highlighted by kills by Borhart and Stern. Continuing to increase the distance between the opponents, AJ Nicholas came into the serving rotation at 13-6 and with two kills by Borhart, a service ace and a block by Michael Faulkner, the score was increased to 21-14. Only allowing the Tigers six more points, the Deacs took the game and the match, 30-20.
"This is the best that the team has played since the beginning of the season," head coach Valerie Baker said. "We have been plagued with so many injuries and we have been up and down with our play. Tonight we played at the level that we have been expecting and I am very proud of the team effort." On the night, senior Morgan Havig posted a team-high .438 hitting percentage, only making three errors off 16 attempts. Additionally, Havig had five block assists and 10 kills. Borhart's triple-double came with 12 kills, 53 assists and 17 digs. Defensively, Rydberg grabbed 22 digs, while Henry also posted double-digits, with 20. After taking a day off, Wake Forest will return to action on Sunday night as they travel to Georgia Tech. Match time is set for 2 p.m. |
