Sept. 11, 1999

CLEMSON, S.C. – After beginning the season 4-0, UK dropped its second-straight match of theseason on Saturday afternoon, falling 3-0 to the No. 30 ranked Notre DameFighting Irish at Jervey Gym in Clemson, S.C. The Wildcats lost both of theirmatches at the Big Orange Bash. No. 18 Clemson beat the Cats 3-0 on Fridaynight.

The first two games went similarly for the Wildcats as they reversed theirtrend of falling behind early, like the team did in all three games againstClemson on Friday, and jumped out to 5-1 leads in each game. But the FightingIrish battled back with runs of 9-1 in game one and 11-2 in game two, winningeach game by a 15-9 count.

The Wildcats were on the ropes heading into the third game, but once againshowed their resiliency to defeat with a valiant effort. The outcome wasanother 15-9 defeat, but the game was much closer than the final scoresuggested. The Cats were trailing 7-10 when the teams went back and forth forsix consecutive side outs before the Irish broke the deadlock with threestraight points. UK cut the gap to 9-13 before UND closed out the match.

“We knew that we would have to elevate our level of play if we were going tobeat these teams this weekend,” said UK head coach Jona Braden. “They (Clemsonand Notre Dame) are two very good teams. We showed flashes of being able toplay them, but we just need to show that ability on a consistent basis. We aregetting there.”

Kentucky goes home with a 4-2 mark this season while the Irish improve to 4-1.UK still holds a 9-6 advantage head-to-head with Notre Dame, but the Irish havewon the last four meetings.

The Cats will finally return to Memorial Coliseum for their second home matchof the season on Sept. 14 versus the Lady Toppers of Western Kentucky at 7 p.m.

AGATE

Clemson, S.C.
Jervey Gym
Attendance: 308