Clemson Defeats Virginia in Four Sets
The Tigers (14-10, 2-10 ACC) lost the first set against the Virginia Cavaliers (10-12, 3-9 ACC) but rallied strongly to win the next three sets, securing a 3-1 victory on the road in Charlottesville with scores of 22-25, 25-20, 25-19, and 28-26.
Key Performances
- Junior transfer Khaya Gordon led Clemson with 16 kills.
- Mia McGrath contributed 13 kills.
- Mia Moore added 12 kills.
Match Highlights
The Cavaliers started strong, building a five-point lead early in the opening set. Clemson responded by narrowing the gap to two points with kills by Gordon, Moore, and McGrath. Virginia regained the five-point advantage by the media timeout, and despite Clemson's efforts—including an ace by Claire Luoma and a kill by Nil Okur—Virginia secured the set 25-22.
In the second set, Clemson surged ahead with quick points from McGrath, Gordon, and a solo block from Kate Hansen. Blocks were critical as Nil Okur, Moore, and Gordon combined for multiple block assists, helping Clemson to a five-point lead and forcing a timeout from Virginia. McGrath sealed the set at 25-20.
Momentum carried into the third set where Clemson executed three and four-point runs, highlighted by Luoma's second ace of the match, to take the lead decisively.
"The Tigers maintained the lead with kills from McGrath and Okur before McGrath sealed the set, 25-20."
The team’s resilience and strong blocking were key factors in overcoming the early deficit to claim the win.
Author's summary: Clemson rallied from a first-set loss to defeat Virginia 3-1, led by key kills from Khaya Gordon and strong teamwork in blocks and runs that shifted momentum decisively.