A season of setbacks continues for the Tigers, this time with a 3-0 sweep at the hands of the Wolfpack in Jervey Gym on Sunday afternoon. The loss marks 10 straight for Clemson, cementing its 0-10 conference record.
The first set, which ended 26-24 in favor of the Wolfpack, was defined by excitement. Neither team led by more than four, and following a Mia McGrath kill to level the score at seventeen, neither team took more than a two-point lead for the remainder of the game. The set was highlighted by a net violation, turning what would have put the Tigers at game point into a 23-23 contest. Following the overturned call, NC State was able to take care of business. The setback left the Tigers with chips on their shoulders, and they came out angry on the second set.
Clemson came out roaring, wanting to make up for the mistakes made in the narrow defeat minutes before. The team took control and held on, leading 21-16 before allowing five straight NC State points to create yet another close contest. The two teams exchanged scores until it was even at 24-24, where a Sky Stokes ace gave the Wolfpack their first lead of the set. From there, Naomi Cabello delivered the winning kill, and NC State celebrated another 26-24 victory.
By the third set, momentum had taken over. The thrill of narrowly winning multiple sets, including an impressive comeback late in the second, created an energy around NC State that Clemson was simply unable to match. Clemson fell down a 14-9 hole early; while the final score was 25-20, the match itself never appeared to be that close.
Overall, an inability to close out sets highlights what could have been a thrilling game for the Tigers. Reaching game point twice in a match you lose 3-0 is unusual, and Clemson needs to improve on its ability to win these closely contested matches if it wants to be competitive throughout the remainder of the season.
Additionally, serving tilted the scale for the two teams. The Tigers saw nine total service errors to just three aces. NC State wasn’t much more consistent serving the ball, suffering six errors, but they were much more effective in scoring off the serve with nine aces.
While nothing is more important than the final result, the afternoon certainly had its bright spots for the Tigers. The packed Jervey Gym was full of energy and excitement, celebrating every score with passion until the very end. Clemson was able to record more kills, digs and blocks than NC State, numbers that show an improvement in serving the ball could create a turnaround on the season.
Aźyah Dailey shined, with a 0.292 hit percentage and a total of 9 kills and 5 blocks. Setter Devan Taylor also had an elite performance, boasting 11 digs and 7 assists throughout the match.
Next up, the Tigers (8-13) will head to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to take on the No. 25 Tar Heels (17-2), where they look to snap their losing streak on Nov. 1.
