September 21, 2002

CLEMSON, S.C. - The Virginia Tech volleyball team wrapped up the Clemson Invitational Saturday with matches against TCU and Coastal Carolina. In the early match the Hokies defeated TCU, 3-1. Game scores were 27-30, 30-26, 30-22 and 30-22. Following the victory, Tech dropped its final match of the tournament to Coastal Carolina, 3-2. Game scores were 19-30, 26-30, 30-23, 30-27 and 12-15. The Hokies' record now stands at 7-7.

In the first match, both Tech and TCU were looking to bounce back from losses on Friday night. TCU came out strong in game one, picking up the victory. However they were unable to capitalize on their early lead as the Hokies won the next three games to seal the victory, 3-1. The win moved the Hokies to 7-6, and the loss dropped the Horned Frogs to 6-7.

The Hokies were led against TCU by senior Ana Lang (Cuba, N.Y.). Lang had 21 kills on 48 attempts with only two errors for a hitting percentage of .396. She also added three service aces, 19 digs and a block assist. Sophomore Annie Spicer (Barrington, Ill.) had 12 kills on 40 attempts and 14 digs. Seniors Cheryl Stinson (Ottawa, Ontario) and Sarah Rogers (Marietta, Ga.) added 11 kills each. Freshman Melissa Markowski (Glen Ellyn, Ill.) recorded a double-double with 56 assists and 14 digs.

In the nightcap, Tech faced a tough Coastal Carolina team. After dropping the first two games, the Hokies came back to win games three and four, forcing a fifth and deciding game. Several Tech players put up career-high numbers, but the Hokies were unable to hold off the Lady Chanticleers. The five-game loss dropped Tech's record to 7-7, while Coastal Carolina improved to 7-5.

In the second match the Hokies were once again led by seniors Lang and Stinson. Lang had a career-high 26 kills on 66 attempts with only nine errors. Stinson recorded a season-high eight block assists and added 13 kills on 30 attempts. Markowski had her second double-double of the day with 62 assists and 17 digs, both career-highs. Junior Jenny Hill (Holland, Mich.) added 14 kills on 26 attempts and five block assists.

The Hokies will be back in action Saturday, Sept. 28 as they open BIG EAST play at Providence. Match time is 2 p.m.