COLUMBIA, SC – The Winthrop volleyball team dropped its two contests Saturday to in-state rivals Clemson and South Carolina in the final day of the Carolina Clash, hosted by the Gamecocks.

Winthrop got off to a slow start against Clemson, falling behind 6-0 to start the first set.  The Eagles fought back to get within 11-9, but couldn't get any closer.  The Tigers went on a 12-4 run to open a 23-13 lead before taking the first set 25-15.

The Eagles got off to a better start in the second set as the two teams were tied at 9-9 through 18 points.  Clemson then slowly built a lead and the Eagles were unable to get a crucial defensive stop as the Tigers took the second set 25-17.

The third set was again tight early, but the Eagles struggled as the set went further.  The set was tied at 11-11 before the Tigers went on a 11-3 run to open a 22-14 lead before taking the set 25-17 and the match 3-0.

Jennica Mullins led the Eagles against the Tigers with seven kills while Carolyn Weed added six kills.  Stephanie Palmer finished with 18 assists and five block assists while Catherine Brusie led the team with 12 digs.

A slow start to the first set hurt the Eagles as South Carolina quickly grabbed an 8-2 lead and stretched it to 15-5 before taking the first set 25-13. 

Winthrop got off to the strong start in the second set, taking a 6-2 lead, but the Gamecocks slowly fought their way back into the set, tying the set at 15-15.  South Carolina used a 5-0 run to go up 20-15 before taking the second set 25-21.

After a tight start to the third set, the Gamecocks used a 5-0 run to open a 13-6 lead and extended it to 17-8.  Winthrop used a quick 5-0 run of its own to get within 17-13, but the lead was too much to overcome as South Carolina hung on for the 25-23, third-set victory.

Rachel Lenz led the Eagles with nine kills in the loss.  Stephanie Palmer added eight kills while Jennica Mullins finished with seven.  Palmer also had 23 assists while Catherine Brusie had 12 digs.

The Eagles will return to the Winthrop Coliseum next weekend to host the Winthrop Classic.  Winthrop will take on North Carolina A&T and Mercer on Friday with Saturday contests against Western Carolina and North Florida.