Blue Devils lose second straight in ACC

Despite a trio of double-doubles and a first-game win, No. 14 Duke fell 3-1 to Clemson Friday.

It was the Blue Devils' second consecutive loss in the ACC, as Duke (20-6, 15-3 in the ACC) slipped back into second place behind the Tigers (24-3, 17-1).

"It was a very hard-fought battle," said head coach Jolene Nagel. "Even though we lost, we've played some good volleyball, and the difference between winning and coming up short is not always the hugest things."

Sophomore Rachael Moss and seniors Carrie DeMange and Ali Hausfeld notched double-doubles. Moss picked up 20 kills and 11 digs while DeMange posted 19 kills and 10 digs. DeMange is just 50 kills short of setting the Duke record.

Seven Blue Devils contributed kills in the opening game to push Duke to a 30-26 victory. In game two, the Tigers broke out to a six-point lead early on. Duke managed to pull within one point at 17-16, but Clemson clinched the 30-22 win after the rally.

"Our weakness was that we weren't consistent," senior Jenny Shull said. "The second our inconsistency came through, they capitalized on it."

The Blue Devils and Tigers battled head-to-head in the third game, but Clemson squeezed past Duke to take the final two points and the game. In the fourth game, the Tigers built a late lead to clinch the match.

"I am very proud of how our team competed this weekend," Nagel said. "We can't allow ourselves to get discouraged because we still have our best volleyball to come."