Tigers secure first postseason win since 2008
CLEMSON, S.C. – The Clemson volleyball team (18-14, 8-10 ACC) took care of business quickly in Jervey Gym Thursday evening, sweeping Alabama A&M, 25-9, 25-19, 25-15, in the first round of the Women’s National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC). With the win, the Tigers earned their first postseason victory since 2008 when they defeated Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Clemson is set to face Radford for the first time in program history in the second round of the NIVC on Friday, Nov. 30 in Jervey Gym at 7 p.m. Friday’s matchup against the Highlanders will stream on the Clemson Athletics’ Facebook account.
“I thought we did a good job of taking care of the ball on our side of the net,” said Clemson head coach Michaela Franklin. “We also did a good job of spreading the offense around. We had seven players with double-digit attempts tonight, which was big for us. Our sideout game was strong as well. Obviously, it’s exciting to pick up that first win in postseason play.”
Clemson got off to a hot start, claiming the first six points of the match, and never looked back. The Tigers went on to dominate the first set, 25-9 to secure their largest margin of victory in a single set this season. Junior libero Emily Curtis led the Clemson effort in the first, posting seven of her match-high 17 digs in the opening set. Curtis’s 17 digs also tied her season high, which she achieved at Florida State on Oct. 21. Clemson got off to another fast start in the second set, which was led by Brooke Bailey. Bailey tallied five of her match-high 11 kills in set No. 2. The Tigers jumped out to a 12-3 lead before going on to take the second, 25-19, heading into the locker room. Coming out of the break, Alabama A&M kept it close initially, trailing 16-11, but Clemson would close out six of the final eight points to claim the set (25-15) and match.
Radford defeated Appalachian State in four sets (23-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-19) Thursday evening in Jervey Gym to advance to round No. 2 of the NIVC.
“I think Radford is a team that competes hard. They do good job of grinding for points. They’re active defensively – they get touches on everything. It’s going to be important to not allow them to frustrate us and take care of the ball on our side of the net. I think tomorrow is going to be a good match – against a good team.
Tickets for Friday’s match are $8 for general admission seating, but free for all Clemson students and kids under the age of 18.
For complete coverage of the Clemson volleyball team, follow @ClemsonVB on Twitter and Instagram, and @ClemsonVolleyball on Facebook.
