South Carolina Edges Clemson, 3-1

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina (6-0) defeated the Tigers (3-3) in four sets (23-25, 25-22, 21-25, 23-25) to close out the Carolina Classic. Leah Perri was named to the All-Tournament Team following her fourth 20-kill effort of the season.

“I’m pleased with how we came out today after two five-set matches and a difficult loss last night,” said head coach Hugh Hernesman. “All preseason we talked about being better than yesterday and I felt like today was our best day of volleyball since the season started.”

“Our offense continues to put up good numbers, once again, our hitters hit over .250 against a physical team in South Carolina. If we can continue to put up those kinds of numbers, we will put ourselves in a position to win matches.”

Perri’s performance in her final match against South Carolina was nothing short of remarkable as the senior hit .442 with 26 kills and just three errors on 52 swings. Kailey Harvell was the only other Tiger with kills in double-figures as she tallied 10 to go along with her five blocks. Keely Hayes continues to connect with the hitters, dishing out 45 assists to lead to a .255 hitting percentage. Kennedy Wilson-Talmadge finished with 11 digs.

Both teams traded blows in the first set with Clemson leading the majority of the set until the Gamecocks strung together three-straight points to defeat the Tigers, 25-23. The offense was firing on all cylinders as Hayes set hitters to a .448 hitting percentage with 15 kills in the set. The second was much of the same however it was the Tigers who were able to gain an edge late with a service ace from Wilson-Talmadge to take a 21-20 advantage, and go on to win the set, 25-22. With the match tied, South Carolina took control early in the third and spoiled a late comeback attempt to win, 25-21. South Carolina gained the advantage early again in the fourth, however the Tigers fought back to tie the set at 22 but wouldn’t threaten the Gamecocks any further as they held on to win the final set, 25-23.

The Tigers come back to Clemson next week as they host the Clemson Classic on September 8-10. Clemson will play host to North Dakota, ETSU and Tulane.