The No. 16 Clemson women’s tennis team put up a fight on Saturday afternoon at the Duckworth Family Tennis Facility, but ultimately fell to No. 27 Georgia Tech, 4-2, in its ACC home opener.

Despite strong singles performances from Artemis Aslanisvili and Candela Yecora, the Tigers (10-3, 1-2 ACC) could not overcome the Yellow Jackets (7-5, 2-1 ACC).

The Tigers looked to make a statement early but found themselves in trouble after dropping the doubles point. Although Yecora and Romana Cisovska secured a 6-3 victory on court No. 2, Georgia Tech claimed wins on courts No. 1 and No. 3 to clinch the advantage heading into singles play.

In singles, Aslanisvili continued her standout season, taking down Given Roach in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, improving her singles record to 12 wins and two losses. Yecora followed suit, earning a hard-fought 6-1, 6-5 victory over Taly Licht, marking her fourth singles win of the season.

However, the Tigers were unable to find success elsewhere, as Amelie Smejkalova, Sophia Hatton and Cisovska all fell in their respective matches, sealing the victory for Georgia Tech. Gaia Parravicini was locked in a tight battle with Olivia Carneiro, leading 7-6, 4-3, before the match was left unfinished.

The match was the first of the weekend’s Tennis Fest events, with Clemson honoring its first head coach, Mary Kennerty, prior to play as she took the honorary first serve.

If the Tigers can tighten their strategy and capitalize on their strengths, they could reestablish themselves as a serious contender within the conference.