If you’re going to enroll at either Clemson University or the University of South Carolina, know one thing first: the two don’t like each other. Students of these rival schools argue over everything, including academic prestige, athletic facilities, campus and student life, to name a few.
Last Thursday, this rivalry was apparent at the Strom Thurmond Recreation Fields in Columbia, South Carolina, when the Gamecocks took a 20-8 win over Clemson to win the club lacrosse Palmetto Bowl.
Last year, Clemson upset South Carolina, 9-4, giving both teams a goal for this year. For Clemson to keep the streak going and for South Carolina to get revenge.
When it rains, it pours, especially in South Carolina. The Gamecocks outscored their rivals 10-1 during the second and third periods. Despite four goals in the fourth quarter — two from Tyler Superczynski and one each from Gennaro Petrongolo and Jack Wunder — the damage was already done, and the game was all but over.
Those who arrived early saw the best of the game; the first quarter set the tone for what would be a long, chippy battle. No. 18 South Carolina (9-6, 1-2 SELC) scored first, as Nathan Wolfe stung the top right corner on a step-down shot on a fast break. The Tigers (8-6, 3-2 ALC South) quickly responded, trailing for only one minute before Ian Jackson tied the game.
Holden Morrison gave Clemson its first lead with an individual effort goal, met with a quick response from the Gamecocks as Wolfe found a cutting Kyle Anthony to tie it at 2-2. Jackson scored his second goal minutes later to give the Tigers their last lead of the contest.
Clemson seemed to get caught up in the intensity of the rivalry, as shown by their lack of discipline on the field. After having the matchup circled on the calendar all season long, this was the one the Tigers let slip away.
The Tigers were unable to win the ground ball battle, extend offensive possessions or clear the ball effectively, ultimately giving way to a defensive breakdown and a South Carolina scoring run. Clemson trailed 6-3 after four unanswered goals to close the first quarter.
South Carolina players stormed the field in celebration when the final whistle blew and hoisted the Palmetto Bowl trophy, a new addition to the rivalry this season. South Carolina’s 20 goals came from 13 different scorers, with Wolfe leading after a three-goal, four-assist performance.
Despite their identical records on Thursday, the two teams have had vastly different trajectories this season. South Carolina has maintained an impressive eight-game winning streak as of Sunday, beating Auburn (7-7) in the SELC quarterfinals. On the other hand, Clemson has lost four of its last five games.
The Tigers will head to the ALC quarterfinals on April 18, aiming to end this run of losses and extend their season. On Friday, they will play Virginia Tech at the Marching Virginians Center in Blacksburg, Virginia, to begin the postseason.
