CLEMSON, S.C. – The Hokies continued their four-match road trip this evening with a trip to Clemson, S.C., to take on the Tigers in a key, late-season ACC matchup. Though every set remained close, the Tigers came out on top, defeating Tech, 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 25-19). Redshirt-sophomore Jennifer Wiker earned a career-high 23 kills in the match. The win lifts the Tigers to 17-11 (8-9 ACC), while the Hokies drop to 18-9 (9-8 ACC).
The Tigers took charge in the first set, opening the frame up 5-1 and never looking back, eventually winning 25-20. Tech countered by leading for the majority of the second set. The Hokies gained a 19-16 lead, and though the Tigers rallied to pull ahead 20-19, Tech took five of the last six points, tying the match at one with a 25-21 win.
The Hokies had a lead early in the third set, but the Tigers pushed past them, 16-12, and held onto that advantage for the remained of the frame, winning it 25-23. Tech once again began the fourth set out in front, but Clemson made another late push, winning the match with a 25-19 victory in set four.
Jennifer Wiker had a career day in the front row, notching 23 kills with a .353 hitting percentage, adding three digs and a block solo. Cara Baarendse continued her strong weekend, putting up 15 kills, three assists, two digs and a block and a .375 hitting percentage. Felicia Willoughby added another 11 kills and two blocks, and Justine Record notched her sixth double-double of the season, with 10 kills and 11 digs. Erin Leaser also earned a double-double, recording 57 assists and 11 digs, and Morgan O’Neill led the backcourt with 15 digs.
The Hokies continue their road trip next Thursday, when they travel to Wake Forest for an ACC matchup beginning at 7 p,m.
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