Aug. 26, 2011
Final Stats
CLEMSON, S.C. - Faye Lukas and Tina Catanach each had eight kills, but Clemson University rallied form a third-set deficit to beat visiting Loyola University Maryland in straight sets, 25-19, 25-13, 25-21, in the second match of the Big Orange Bash at Jervey Gymansium.
The Greyhounds (0-1 overall) led 14-13 after a Lukas kill, and the set was tied three times thereafter, but Clemson (1-0) scored the final four points to close out the match in Jake Lawrence's head coaching debut.
"It was a good opening test for us," Lawrence said. "They returned all seven starters from a pretty good year last year. They are big and they are strong, but we hung in there. We did our things well. We were right there in the third game, and we just couldn't string those last points together."
Loyola took one-point leads at 12-11 and 13-12 on Clemson attack errors, but each time the Tigers recorded a kill for sideout to tie the set.
After Lukas put the Greyhounds up for the final time, the Tigers scored twice in a row to go up, 15-14. The teams entered a see-saw battle for the next several points. Clemson would take a one-point lead only to see Loyola record a point of its own to tie.
Catanach put away a kill to make it 21-21 before the Tigers called out and returned to the court to score four-straight.
Loyola hit .259 in the third set, its high for the match, logging 11 kills in 27 swings with four errors.
Four Greyhounds - Lauren Andersen, Catanach, Mindy Maloney and Kara Schiffer - made their collegiate debuts and a fifth - Elena Frac - made her first appearance in a Loyola uniform
Only one non-freshman or sophomore - junior Janet Pressler - played in the match for Loyola. Juniors Katie Dircks and Annie Manes are currently sidelines with injuries.
Andersen had 25 assists in her Loyola debut, and Frac led the team with six digs. Maloney and sophomore Nicole Sarby each had four kills, and sophomore Jac Bullock had three kills while matching Maloney's three blocks.
"Overall, it was a positive night," Lawrence said. "Clemson is probably the best team that we will play all year. Our kids are in good spirits, and we are looking forward to tomorrow."
Loyola continues play at the Bash Saturday when it plays South Carolina State at 10 a.m. and Tennessee State at 4 p.m.
