CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson Tigers (13-19, 4-13 ACC) fought on Friday night against No. 13 Georgia Tech (19-6, 12-4 ACC) but were unable to pull off the upset at Jervey Gym, dropping the match 3-0, despite a 10-kill performance from Cate Long.
Three different Tigers clocked multiple kills in the first set led by Long, Mia McGrath and Camryn Hannah. Freshman Sophie Catalano also contributed an ace, but it wasn’t enough as Georgia Tech hit .500 in the first set to take the set, 25-15. Freshman Caroline Sele tried to build momentum for Clemson in the second set starting things with an ace, but another strong hitting percentage for the Yellow Jackets propelled GT to a 25-9 set win.
Clemson battled in the third behind early kills from Ani Clark and McGrath. Colleen Finney and Sele combined for a huge block to tie the score at 8-all to help push the Tigers further, followed closely by a kill and a service ace from Long that forced GT to call a timeout as Clemson led 11-9. Coming out of the timeout, Georgia Tech took the lead. Clemson pulled back within one point after back-to-back kills from Long, but the Yellow Jackets outscored the Tigers 8-3 to take the set, 25-19, and the match.
Up Next
The Tigers will conclude the regular season next Friday, Nov. 25 at Wake Forest. The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Photos courtesy of Dawson Powers & Brooke Russell, Clemson Athletics
