North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State
Clemson
Volleyball Falls in 5th Set to Clemson
10/1/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Oct. 1, 2011
CLEMSON, S.C. – For the second time in as many days, the NC State volleyball team went to extra points in the fifth set in an ACC road match. But unlike Friday night’s victory at Georgia Tech, the Wolfpack was unable to bring home the win at Clemson, falling 3-2 to the Tigers at Jervey Gym.
The Wolfpack won the first and third sets, while Clemson stayed alive by winning the second and fourth. In the decisive fifth set, Clemson led most of the way, but the Wolfpack (14-3 overall, 2-2 ACC) fought back to put itself in position to win its third ACC match of the season.
But after the teams traded ties and one-point leads from 13-13 until 17-17, the Tigers (11-5, 3-2) managed to score two straight points for a 19-17 win in the final set.
“It was a tough one,” said second-year head coach Bryan Bunn. “We came out a little flat in the first set, and then we started playing well. We had some opportunities to win the match in the fifth set and we didn’t do it.
“You have to capitalize on those opportunities.”
Senior Margaret Salata continued to contribute a big chunk of the Wolfpack offense, with a team-high 17 kills, seven blocks and 20.5 points. Sophomore Brie Merriwether had 13 kills and 17 points for the Wolfpack. Senior Becah Fogle came off the bench to contribute nine kills.
Junior Megan Cyr had 22 digs, while senior Kelly Wood had 20. Cyr also had 48 of the Pack’s 54 assists.
For the Tigers, Serenat Yaz had 22 kills and 24 points, Kristin Faust had 15 kills and 16.5 points and Moneshia Simmons had 14 kills and 18 points.
The Wolfpack returns to action on Tuesday with a 7 p.m. match against North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C.
