Clemson volleyball wrapped up the regular season on Nov. 28, after a difficult conference slate. The Tigers began their season strong, going 12-0 in non-conference play with notable wins against Georgia and in-state rival South Carolina.
After a disappointing loss to Florida State to open conference play, Clemson faced three ranked opponents in the span of a week. No. 24 Miami was first on the list as the Hurricanes convincingly swept the Tigers at home. Clemson then hit the road to face No. 5 Pittsburgh and No. 11 SMU, both teams that also swept the Tigers.
After hosting UNC and Duke in mid-October, junior Kennedy Wagner announced she experienced a season-ending injury. The starting outside hitter was a key component of the Tigers’ offense as they looked for their first ACC win of the season.
The Tigers traveled to Wake Forest and NC State following Wagner’s injury, where they fell short against both teams. Clemson took a set from NC State before ultimately losing 3-1, adding a sixth-straight loss after starting their first 12 games perfect.
It was not until the Tigers hosted the California Bears on Oct. 26 that they secured their first ACC win of the season. Just a week after that win, the Tigers hit the road, losing to Virginia Tech before defeating Virginia and Syracuse.
Clemson faced Georgia Tech twice in one week, falling 3-0 both times. The Tigers tragically lost a five-setter at Clemson’s own Jervey Gym against Notre Dame.
The Tigers ended their season with a win over Syracuse and a statement win against Florida State. Clemson’s 3-1 win over FSU was their first victory over the Seminoles in 20 games and 11 years. After losing to FSU in four sets earlier in the season, the Tigers flipped the script, ending their season with something to smile about.
Although the Tigers were outside of the 64 teams selected for the NCAA Division 1 Volleyball Tournament in Kansas City, their season was promising.
Clemson’s tandem of Mias lit it up this year. Senior Mia McGrath finished the season with 336 kills and 284 digs, while senior Mia Moore finished with 284 kills and 40 blocks. Libero and floor general McKenna Gildon anchored the team defensively and offensively, providing 455 digs and 141 assists.
Their only fatal flaw may have been the conference they played in.
Seven ACC teams qualified for the NCAA tournament, headlined by the prominence of No. 1 seed Pitt, No. 2 seeds SMU, Louisville and Stanford and No. 5 seed Miami. Against these programs this season, Clemson chipped just one set against Stanford, losing 15 of 16 sets against the ACC’s best.
Clemson concluded the season with a record of 18-14, 6-14 ACC, which led to the Tigers missing the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight year. But for head coach Jackie Simpson Kirr, things seem to be trending in the right direction.
