CLEMSON, S.C. – Katherine Sandt recorded her fifth double-double of the season with a 35 assist and season-best 20 kill night, but despite her efforts the Tigers fell short in a 3-1 loss to South Carolina.
How It Happened:
The Gamecocks went up 4-0 to start the set, but a 4-2 run helped the Tigers level the match back and neither side found a lead of more than two points the rest of the set. Anika Groom led with five kills in the first set to help the Tigers to the hard-fought 30-28 set win. It took seven set points to find a winner, but ultimately Groom’s fifth kill of the set was the difference maker.
Throughout the first half of the second set, the two teams traded points up until a 6-0 run by Clemson when South Carolina led 14-13 forced a Gamecock timeout. From there though, the Gamecocks answered with a 5-0 run of their own and would go on to win set two 25-23.
Throughout the third set the Tigers struggled to find momentum offensively, which helped the Gamecocks to a 25-21 set win. Talea Mitchell led the Tgers with three kills in the third set.
In the early stages of the fourth set, Kennedy Wagner who came on as a substitute had three kills to help Clemson force a timeout from the Gamecocks. South Carolina pushed out to a narrow 20-17 lead to force a Tiger timeout. Despite her eighth kill of the night to tie the game at 22, South Carolina was able to find the win with a 25-23 set four score.
With the 1-3 loss the Tigers are now 5-3 on the season.
Tiger Leaders/Highlights:
- Points: Anika Groom – 14
- Kills: Anika Groom - 12
- Digs: Katherine Sandt 20
- Assists: Katherine Sandt – 35
- Blocks: Talea Mitchell - 4
- Aces: Addi Rains - 2
Up Next: The Tigers will hit the road for a match with in-state opponent Wofford on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 3 pm. That match will be streamed on ESPN+. For the most up to date schedule information go to clemsontigers.com.