Volleyball Muzzles Bulldogs In Season Opener
CLEMSON, S.C. – In her first match since Nov. 24, 2017, Clemson redshirt-junior Kaylin Korte posted her sixth career double-double with 10 kills and a match-high 14 digs in the Tigers’ 25-21, 26-24, 25-19 sweep over Georgia Friday night in Jervey Gym. Clemson, now 1-0 on the season, outhit the Bulldogs .367 to .247 for the match and was propelled by a late second-set 8-3 run.
In addition to Korte, the Tigers received an offensive boost from sophomore right side hitter Solei Thomas, who also recorded double-digit kills – with 11 – and hit .400 for the match. Freshman setter Mckenna Slavik dimed 40 assists in her Clemson debut, while adding a match-high five blocks alongside freshman middle blocker Annika Clark.
The Tigers also combined for eight service aces – two more than Georgia. Behind the service line, Clemson was led by junior Madi Howell, who got the nod at libero and posted a match-high three aces, including a crucial late second-set ace to give the Tigers a 25-24 advantage. Then, Clark and junior middle hitter Alyssa Deloney came up with a huge block that sent the ball straight to the floor on the Bulldogs’ side of the net, giving Clemson the point (26-24) and a 2-0 lead heading into the break.
Coming out of the break, Clemson did not let up, sparking a 13-3 run, a deficit the Bulldogs could not recover from. The Tigers took set No. 3, 25-19, with the help of five Korte kills, including the final point to seal the match.
Up next, Clemson returns to Jervey Gym Saturday, Aug. 31 for a pair of matches against Wofford (10 a.m.) and Kennesaw State (7 p.m.). Both matches are set to air on ACC Network Extra (ACCN).
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