CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Five goals in the fourth quarter propelled No. 9/10 Clemson (5-4, 2-3 ACC) to its first-ever win against No. 21/21 Virginia (5-5, 3-2 ACC) courtesy of a 12-10 result inside Klöckner Stadium. The ranked win on Saturday gave Clemson its second top-25 win in as many games.
The signature win featured two Tigers collecting career milestones. Kira Balis’ strong day of draw controls was highlighted in the second quarter as the sophomore earned her third of the game and 184th of her career, setting a school record. Ella Little previously held the program’s record. During the third quarter, Paris Masaracchia recorded her 100th career ground ball. Masaracchia, who is atop Clemson’s record book for the category, is the first Tiger in program history to eclipse 100 career ground balls.
Tessa DeLuca posted another complete game in goal for the Tigers as the freshman’s effort was highlighted by three spectacular saves in the third quarter. DeLuca’s five saves against the Cavaliers give her 41 on the season.
FIRST QUARTER | 4-2, VIRGINIA
Natalie Shurtleff opened the scoring on Saturday following a beautiful piece of transition play and an assist from Brooke Goldstein. Clemson’s quick scoring was complimented by the Tigers’ strong defense, as the team forced turnovers from Virginia on each of the Cavaliers’ first four possessions. Camryn Pfundstein led the way early for the defensive unit, causing two turnovers during the game’s first 10 minutes.
SECOND QUARTER | 7-6, VIRGINIA
Three goals in the final four minutes of action sent the Tigers into the locker room with heaps of momentum, highlighted by Regan Byrne’s behind-the-back goal with 27 seconds remaining in the half. Penczek seemingly covered every blade of grass on the field Saturday afternoon, as the freshman was responsible for a goal, an assist, three shots, four ground balls, and two caused turnovers during the opening 30 minutes.
THIRD QUARTER | 8-7, VIRGINIA
The Tigers dominated draw controls in the third quarter, going 3-for-3. A goal courtesy of Kayla MacLeod five minutes into the quarter drew the Tigers level at 7-7, and two stellar saves by DeLuca kept the Tigers within one following a fast-paced third quarter.
FOURTH QUARTER | 12-10, CLEMSON
Goals from Aubrie Eisfeld and Jasmine Stanton kept Clemson level with Virginia early in the quarter, but a goal by Penczek with 7:59 remaining proved to be the momentum shift that Clemson needed to pull away from the Cavaliers. Eisfeld’s second goal of the game came with 7:15 remaining and proved to be the game-winner on Saturday.
Stats Recap
- Penczek | Three goals, one assist, seven shots, four ground balls and two caused turnovers.
- Alexa Spallina | One goal and two assists.
- Pfundstein | One ground ball and two caused turnovers.
- Masaracchia | One ground ball (reached 100th career GB) and two caused turnovers.
- Stanton | One goal and one ground ball.
- Brooke Goldstein | One goal & one assist.
- Byrne | One goal & two assists.
- Bridget Babcock | One ground ball.
- MacLeod | One goal, one assist & one shot.
- Balis | Five draw controls (set new school record).
- Eisfeld | Two goals, one ground ball & three draw controls.
- Shurtleff | One goal, one assist & two draw controls.
- Teagan Scott | Six ground balls, four caused turnovers & one draw control.
- DeLuca | Five saves, six ground balls & one caused turnover.
- Maddigan Miller | Three caused turnovers.
- Mikaela Mooney | One goal.
Up Next
Clemson Lacrosse will be back in action on Tuesday, March 17 for a road match against the Mercer Bears at 4 p.m.
For complete coverage of Clemson’s track & field and cross country program, follow @ClemsonTrackXC on X, Instagram and Facebook.