Sep 01, 2008
The FIU Women's volleyball captured the championship in the Orange Bash, Saturday in Clemson, South Carolina. To clinch the preseason tournament title, the Lady Golden Panthers upset No. 19 Clemson 3 sets to 1 (25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 26-24).
Junior Yarimar Rosa was named MVP of the tournament, dominated the title match with 27 kills, and 3 double-doubles overall in the tourney. Junior Isadora Rangel (13 Kills, 11 Digs) and Sophomore Natalia Valentin were named to the All-Tournament Team. Rangel and Rosa have notched double-digit kills in every match this season.
"This was a total team win" Head Coach Danijela Tomic. "We (the coaches) told the team that you have a mission and if you play the same as in practice and if you compete and believe in yourself and in each other, than we are going to win."
FIU won the first two sets 25-21 and 25-22. Clemson held off the Lady Golden Panthers to take the third set 25-23. Facing adversity, playing in their first fourth set of the season, the Lady Golden Panthers got down 4-1, 10-5, and 21-16. FIU climbed back to tie the set at 22, take the lead at 24-23, and finally clinch the Big Orange Bash Tournament title with a 26-24 fourth set win.
"We were able to come back, which is a characteristic of a very good and mature team," said Tomic. "I am pleased that they can compete with any team on any level. I am very proud with each one of them." This is just the second time ever that FIU has started 3-0 in the programs 21-year history.
The Golden Panthers continue their Labor Day road trip on Monday Sept. 1, 2008 at Furman.