SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-13, 4-11 ACC) fell to the Clemson Tigers (16-11, 7-8 ACC) in Purcell Pavilion on Friday, Nov. 10 in four sets.
Sydney Palazzolo posted a team-high 18 kills with Ava Lange just behind her with 14 kills on the night. Charity McDowell led the way with four blocks, while Hattie Monson recorded 16 digs and Nicole Drewnick dished out 35 assists.
It was a close set to start the match as the Irish and Tigers were tied at 15-all in the first set. The Tigers started to pull away as the Irish were within three at 22-19, but Clemson would go on to take the 1-0 advantage as they won the first set 25-20.
The Irish were able to claim an early lead in the second as Notre Dame had the 11-7 advantage before a 6-0 run extended the Irish lead to 17-7. While the Tigers made it a seven point game at 17-10, the Irish closed it out as they outscored Clemson 8-3 to take set two in dominating fashion at 25-13.
The Irish trailed early to start set three as the Tigers were able to extend their lead to 17-10 before the Irish came back to close the gap to four at 23-19. Clemson claimed a 2-1 advantage heading into the fourth as they took set three 25-20.
Clemson carried their momentum into the fourth, but the Irish continued to battle. Trailing by five, the Irish closed the gap to two at 14-12, but an 8-2 run from the Tigers extended their lead as they went on to take the final set 25-17.
The Irish hit the road to take on the Virginia Cavaliers on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.