CLEMSON, S.C. – For the 10th time in the program’s 49 year history and the first time since 2014, Clemson Volleyball opened the season with a 6-0 record after defeating Georgia (5-1) inside Jervey Gym in four sets (25-21, 22-25, 27-25, 25-23).
The Tigers were led on offense by Kennedy Wagner with a match-high 16 kills and 20 points. Senior Mia Moore recorded a career-high 15 kills and Mia McGrath recorded her third double-double of the season with 14 kills and a team-high 19 digs. Setter Katherine Sandt recorded her second effort of 40 or more assists and Wagner and senior Nil Okur had a team-high five blocks each.
The Tigers jumped out to an early advantage in the opening set that was sparked by a joint block from Okur and Wagner followed shortly after by a solo block by Okur. Kate Hansen provided her own solo block and a service ace, while Wagner came up with multiple kills to keep Clemson’s pace to allow for a 25-21 set win. The Bulldogs even things with a set win in the second after taking a three-point lead late in the set.
Clemson battled back in set three to take a 2-1 advantage after a gutsy third set. After dropping behind to open the frame, the Tigers pushed back with kills from Moore and Wagner to hold a 15-12 advantage going into the media timeout. Georgia responded and leveled the set at 22-all, but big moves by Clemson’s middles, Hansen and Okur, had the Clemson back with a 25-24 advantage. The Bulldogs once again tied things, but it was back-to-back kills from senior Moore that secured the set win, 27-25.
The Tigers used the momentum from set three to power into the fourth with back-to-back aces from McGrath. Moore continued to fire in kills that included three within a four-point stretch that ultimately brought her to a career-high 15 kills. Georgia cut Clemson’s lead down to two points, but after a Clemson timeout, McGrath tacked on two points with a kill and ace. In the end, Hansen and Wagner secured the final two kills for the Tigers to lock up the 25-23 set and match win.
Tiger Leaders/Highlights:
Up Next
The Tigers continue their home stand with a joint tournament with Wofford. Action is slated to begin on Thursday, Sept. 11 inside Jervey Gym with a 6 p.m. match against Elon on ACCNX. Action continues in Jervey on Friday at 6 p.m. against USC Upstate, before wrapping up on Saturday at 4 p.m.
