Sept. 10, 1999

CLEMSON, S.C. - Kentucky dropped its first match of the season on Friday night, falling 3-0 to the nationally-ranked Clemson Tigers at Jervey Gym in Clemson, S.C. UK is now 4-1 in '99.

The Wildcats went into their match-up with the No. 18 Tigers looking to beat the team for the second-straight year, but instead were ambushed by CU's potent attack and played from behind the entire match. UK had been a perfect 6-0 all-time versus the Tigers.

Clemson hit the Cats hard early, jumped out to a 12-0 lead in game one, en route to a 15-2 win. The usually strong Wildcat blocking game was neutralized by 6-foot-3 Cindy Stern and 6-1 Mallory Benson who had three kills apiece in the opening game. UK recorded no blocks in the first game and was out-hit by Clemson .500 to .038 in the game.

UK got its act together in game two, but couldn't match Clemson's firepower, losing the game 15-9. Behind Jaclyn Homan's active play at the net, the Cats got themselves back in the match with three team blocks and a more effective offensive attack. The Wildcats narrowed the hitting gap with a .158 output compared to CU's .220 in game two.

Senior Katie Eiserman and the Wildcats made things even more competitive in game three as the Cats got within 13-10 before losing the final two points and the game, 15-10. Eiserman played strong on the floor all night making some miraculous digs as well as her usual offensive contributions. Eiserman totaled six kills and a team-high seven digs. Freshman Kristen Batt led the way with seven kills as the Wildcats fought all night to mount a consistent attack against the Tigers. Clemson finished the night with a .366 hitting percentage while UK could only raise its mark to .190.

The Cats will look to regroup against the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.

AGATE
Clemson, S.C.
Jervey Gym
Attendance: 902
Clemson def. Kentucky 15-2, 15-9, 15-10