CLEMSON, S.C. – After dropping the first two sets of the day, Clemson won the final three games to complete the comeback over Charlotte, 19-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-21, 15-11. Sophomore setter McKenna Slavik guided the Tigers’ offense to victory while tying her career high of 52 assists. With the win, the Tigers improved to 6-3 on the season, while Charlotte fell to 1-1 overall.
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The Tigers closed out the win through Slavik’s instrumental performance, particularly in the fifth. Slavik rang up two service aces, coupled with one crucial block in set No. 5. Her 52 assists were spread around the court, helping five Tigers reach double-digit kills. Freshman outside hitter Camryn Hannah posted her first career double-double with 14 kills and 19 digs. Also contributing a double-double, was freshman outsider hitter Cate Long, who tallied 11 kills and 13 digs. In the middle, Ava Pritchard had another efficient hitting performance with 12 kills on 19 swings and two errors, hitting .526 on the match, and also registered three blocks. Solei Thomas added 14 kills and seven digs.
Despite a 4-0 run by the Tigers early in the opening match, the 49ers claimed nine unanswered points and ultimately took the first, 18-25. Charlotte took set No. 2, 16-25, which extended its lead to 2-0 heading into intermission. Long led the Clemson offense in the second with four kills.
Both teams were even 10-10 to start the third, but the Tigers outpaced the 49ers to take the set, 25-21, and cut the 49ers lead to 2-1. Thomas (6), Pritchard (4) and Hannah (4), combined for 14 of Clemson’s 17 kills in game No. 3.
The Tigers dominated the end of the fourth, scoring six out of the last nine points to close out the set and force the decisive fifth.
Clemson and the 49ers return to action in Jervey Gym for the second match of Saturday’s doubleheader at 6 p.m. Saturday’s nightcap is set to stream on ACCNX.
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