RALEIGH, N.C. – The Clemson Volleyball program (16-12, 7-9 ACC) fought back in all three sets, but ultimately dropped its Friday night match to NC State in Reynolds Coliseum (20-25, 21-25, 20-25). The Tigers were led by graduate Adria Powell who finished with 12.5 points.
The middle hitters were putting in the work for the Tigers as Powell led the Tigers in the opening set with five kills. Her counterpart, freshman Kate Simington, added two in the first set and followed it with two early kills in the second. Powell and Simington finished one-two in total kills for the Tigers contributing 12 and six, respectively.
The first two sets saw NC State go on early runs to claim a lead. Clemson battled its way back in both with key kills and major blocks. The first set had the Tigers pulling within one following a kill from Powell to make it 17-18 and another kill by Mckenna Slavik to make it 18-19, but NC State strung together a 6-2 run to take the set. Set two had the Tigers clawing its way back from a seven-point deficit to cut the Wolfpack’s lead down to two at 23-21 following a kill from Slavik and a crucial block assist from Simington and Mia McGrath, but NC State closed out the set to take a 2-0 lead.
Looking to mix things up in the third set, both Mia Moore and Katie Hurta made appearances off the bench for the Tigers. Similar to the first two sets, NC State jumped out to the lead, but the Tigers battled their way back to pull within three. The longest run by the Tigers was spurred by two aces from McKenna Gildon and two kills from Powell to bring it to 23-20, but the Wolfpack closed out the set and match with its final two points.
Defensively, Simington and Mcgrath led Clemson with three blocks each. Gildon and Devan Taylor each contributed 10 digs. Gildon also contributed two aces, while Slavik tallied 25 assists, nine digs and one ace.
Up Next
Clemson continues weekend action in Durham, N.C. on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. against the Duke Blue Devils on ACCNX.
