Syracuse University
13-10,5-8ACC
Clemson
15-10,3-10ACC
Syracuse Falls in Four Sets to Clemson
11/7/2025 9:21:00 PM | Volleyball
The Syracuse University volleyball team (13-10, 5-8 ACC) dropped a four-set match to Clemson on Friday evening at the Women's Building, falling 25-15, 23-25, 26-24, 25-16. The Orange won the second set but could not sustain momentum against the Tigers, who improved to 15-10 overall and 3-10 in ACC play.
Gabby McLaughlin led Syracuse with 14 kills and added 12 digs for her 14th double-double of the season. Skylar George contributed 12 kills, while Tehya Maeva distributed 38 assists and posted a .857 hitting percentage with six kills on seven attempts. Freshman Marie Laurio tallied a career-high 16 digs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Clemson controlled the opening set from start to finish. The Tigers jumped out to a 10-2 lead behind service aces from Katherine Sandt and strong play from Nil Okur. Syracuse battled back with a 5-0 run midway through the set, sparked by Rana Yamada's service ace, but Clemson closed on a 6-3 run to take the set 25-15.
The Orange responded in the second set with an efficient frame. Syracuse hit .333 for the set and used balanced scoring from McLaughlin, George and Maeva to build leads throughout. After the teams traded points late, McLaughlin's kill from Maeva sealed the 25-23 set win and evened the match.
Syracuse trailed throughout the third set, falling behind 7-2 early. The Orange fought back with multiple runs to pull within striking distance, including McLaughlin, Zharia Harris-Waddy, and Soana Lea'ea combining for key blocks. Syracuse pulled even at 23-23 and 24-24, but Clemson's Mia McGrath delivered consecutive kills to close out the 26-24 set.
Clemson took control in the fourth set, jumping to a 5-1 lead and never trailing. The Tigers hit .472 for the set with 17 kills and didn't record a single error. Syracuse made runs to pull within three points but could not mount a comeback, as Clemson closed out the 25-16 set to clinch the match.
NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTS
- Gabby McLaughlin recorded her 14th double-double of the season with 14 kills and 12 digs.
- Tehya Maeva hit .857 with six kills on seven errorless attempts while distributing 38 assists.
- Skylar George posted 12 kills for Syracuse.
- Marie Laurio led the defense with a career-high 16 digs, while Rana Yamada added 15.
- The Orange recorded four service aces, with Yamada collecting two.
- Clemson's Nil Okur led all players with 14 kills on a .636 hitting percentage.
- Syracuse held a 12-7 advantage in total blocks.
UP NEXT
Syracuse will be back at the Women's Building on Sunday when the Orange take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at 1:00 p.m.
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