Racers Push Clemson to Five Sets in Birmingham

Saturday, September 17

Birmingham, Ala.

2 p.m.

Murray State

4-5,0-0MVC

Clemson

9-3,0-0ACC

Murray St.

Clemson

Photo by: Adit Wratsangka - Murray State Athletics

9/17/2022 5:42:00 PM | Women's Volleyball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

Women’s Volleyball pushed the Tigers to a close five-set match

Murray State volleyball fell short on a five-set nail-biter against Clemson at Birmingham, Saturday.

The Racers gave a glimpse of their potential as they pushed the ACC opponent to a five-set match in neutral grounds.

The Tigers came out blazing as they win the first set 17 to 25, but an eye for an eye, the Racers dominated the second set to win it 25 to 18.

After the third set taken by the Tigers (13-25), the Racers had a challenging start of the fourth set, trailing by as much as five points. They refused to back down and made a huge comeback to steal the fourth set in the final stretch and force a fifth.

"I really love seeing the players avoid panic and keep playing their initial game despite losing the third set by that much and trailing in the set," Head Coach David Schwepker said. "It's truly how we were able to make a comeback."

The fifth set showcased how both team refused to back down with a back and forth that keeps you at the edge of your seat. The Tigers edged the Racers 15 to 13.

Bailey DeMier conducted the Racers through the whole match, distributing a total of 50 assists to average 10 per set.

DeMier's passes were mostly finished by Federica Nuccio and Jayla Holcombe as they both made 16 total kills. Nuccio did not stop there as she recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 12 digs while also recording a season high of three blocks and three service aces.

Middle Blocker, Darci Metzger, is a threat whenever rotated in as she made 12 total kills and three blocks.

"Alysha Smith also had a good game, she really picked good hits that pushed the Clemson defense," Schwepker said.

Schwepker said the pieces are in place for this match which allowed them to play well.

"We always work on something new every week and we showed those new things during this match," Schwepker said. "We played a really good game and they (Clemson) did too but there were miscalls in the end of set five that costed us the match."

The Racers will play Samford to wrap up the Samford Invitational, tomorrow.