STANFORD, Calif. – The Tigers took a set off #24 Stanford, coming out the gate with a 25-22 win in the first set. After that, the Tigers battled Stanford but ultimately fell in four with the final three set scores being 19-25, 18-25, and 13-25.
Clemson came out aggressive in the opening set, going up 5-1 courtest of a serve run from McKenna Gildon. From there the Cardinal were able to draw the match level, tying it at 18-18 and 19-19. The Tigers kept the momentum from back-to-back aces from Groom with kills from Talea Mitchell, Maddie Anspaugh and Lina Merz, taking four of the final five points.
Clemson continued to challenge in the second and third sets with strong net play and contributions from Groom, Mitchell, Anspaugh and Brianna Washington. Washington and Anspaugh combined for a key block in the second set, while Katherine Sandt helped direct the offense and added a service ace. Washington would go on to have a career-best six blocks on the night as she helped push the team through the middle two sets.
The Tigers remained competitive in the fourth set with kills from Lauren Schneider, Mitchell, Groom and Anspaugh. Sandt added a solo block, and Washington and Schneider combined for another block as Clemson continued to battle through the final points. Clemson’s strong opening-set finish, balanced offense and defensive pressure highlighted the Tigers’ effort throughout the match. Despite that, though, Stanford won the fourth set to take the match.
With the 3-1 loss the Tigers are now 9-18 on the season and 3-12 in conference play.
Tiger Leaders
- Points: Anika Groom – 14.5
- Kills: Anika Groom – 11
- Digs: Anika Groom – 15
- Assists: Katherine Sandt – 28
- Blocks: Bri Washington – 6
Up Next: The Tigers will continue the road trip in California with a game at California on Sunday, Nov. 13 at 4 pm (ET). That match will be streamed on ACCNX. The team will then head back to the East Coast for a pair of games with Georgia Tech, beginning in Atlanta on Nov. 18 at 7 pm (ET). Following that match, the team will return home to celebrate Senior Night on Nov. 20 at 6 pm (ET) against Georgia Tech inside Jervey Gym. For the most up to date schedule information, go to clemsontigers.com.