For the first time since leaving, co-head coaches Justin Howell and Elisabeth Crandall-Howell hosted their former school, the California Golden Bears — and it wasn’t a rekindling to remember. The No. 20 California Bears upset the Tigers by .050 with a final score of 196.950-196.900.
Clemson started off hot on vault, with graduate Tara Walsh nearly perfecting her vault with a score of 9.900. Brie Clark, Madison Minner and Maggie Holman all scored a 9.825, and for the first time as a Tiger, Paige Anastasi made her way into the lineup, scoring a 9.800.
Despite a solid start, California had an even stronger start on bars, so after the first rotation, the Tigers were down 49.175-49.400.
Heading to bars, Clemson was looking to at least close that gap, but instead, the Tigers took the lead. Clemson has stayed consistent on bars all season, and Saturday was no different. Sophomore Hannah Clark led the scores with a 9.900 and was followed by two scores of 9.875 and two scores of 9.850.
At the end of the second rotation, Clemson led 98.525-98.475.
The Tigers stayed solid on beam, but with such a slight lead, they fell short of maintaining the advantage and headed into the final rotation down 147.675-147.625.
All of Littlejohn Coliseum knew it would come down to the floor routines. Lilly Lippeatt started with a 9.825, tying with Holman and Ella Cesario. Clark scored a 9.900 and has not scored anything lower on the event all season.
Throughout the fourth rotation, there were multiple lead changes. The score that decided the meet came down to Minner’s floor routine. Minner needed a 9.900 to tie, and anything better to win. After a lengthy discussion between judges, Minner’s final score was a 9.850, and Littlejohn Coliseum immediately erupted in boos.
Despite the original score, head coach Howell had a long discussion with the judges, but the final score was not changed.
Clemson ultimately came up short with a final score of 196.950-196.900.
The Tigers will travel to Pittsburgh to face the Panthers on Feb. 15 at 4 p.m. and then host them the following week on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.
