PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Clemson Tigers (12-3, 0-3 ACC) fell to the No. 5 Pitt Panthers (11-2, 3-0 ACC) in three sets (17-25, 10-25, 21-25) on Friday evening during the Tigers’ first ACC road trip of the season.
The Panthers controlled the first set from the jump. Kills from Mia McGrath, Mia Moore and Katherine Sandt helped cut into the Pitt lead, but the Panthers held a 15-8 lead going into the media timeout. The Tigers pushed during the last leg of the set, securing seven of the last 12 points thanks to kills from Kate Hansen, Kennedy Wagner, Nil Okur and an ace from Addi Rains, but the Panthers would hold on to win the opening set.
Similar to the first set, Pitt gained the 7-1 advantage early into the second. Clemson cut the lead to three by way of a Rains’ ace and a combined block from Sandt and Kate Simington. A pair of kills from Sandt, a kill from Wagner and an ace from Claire Luoma would power the Tigers down the stretch but Pitt took the two-set lead.
In the third, the Tigers jumped out to a quick 2-1 lead thanks to Simington notching a kill and block alongside Moore. Pitt would overtake Clemson to the tune of 7-3 before the Tigers fought back. The Orange and Regalia would grab five of the next eight points highlighted by aces from McGrath and McKenna Gildon. Back-to-back blocks from Simington, Moore and Katie Hurta cut the lead to two. Kills from Moore and Khaya Gordon and an ace from Simington helped the Tigers keep pace with Pitt. Clemson secured four of the final seven points, but ultimately fell short in a closely fought third set.
Tiger Leaders/Highlights:
Up Next
The Tigers continue their road stretch on Sunday, Oct. 5 at No. 11 SMU. Sunday’s match is slated to begin at 2 p.m. ET and be available to stream on ACCNX.
