Clemson Falls In ACC Opener

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech (6-6) came out on top in Clemson’s (5-8) conference opener, defeating the Tigers 3-0 (21-25, 20-25, 17-24). Leah Perri and Annie Carter led the offense while Sydney Moseley registered her third consecutive match with double-digit digs at libero for the Tigers.

“Tonight really came down to first contact and Virginia Tech simply passed and defended better than we did,” said head coach Hugh Hernesman. “It allowed them to find an offensive rhythm that we were unable to establish for an extended period of time. We had our stretches, but not long enough.” 

Clemson jumped out to take control early in the first and second sets, however, Virginia Tech managed to regain the advantage and keep the Tigers at a distance to own the momentum heading into intermission.  

Perri threw down 11 kills with five blocks and was a dig shy of a double-double. Perri’s five blocks were matched by freshman, Jaden Light as the two led the charge in Clemson’s 8-5 blocking advantage over the Hokies. Carter threw down seven kills and Moseley tallied 12 digs in her third consecutive start at libero. Keely Hayes and Taylor Daniel split the setting duties recording 12 and 11 assists respectively.

“We’ve got 19 matches left and this group will work together to make sure our focus and execution improves day-to-day. That starts tomorrow with our preparation for a very strong Pitt team.”

Clemson finishes the weekend with a 1:00 p.m., matchup with the Panthers on Sunday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.