OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss volleyball overcame a late deficit in the fifth set to defeat Clemson 3-2 Tuesday night at the Gillom Athletics Performance Center.
The Rebels, now 6-2 overall, faced a 10-6 deficit in the final set before rallying to win 15-13. Jorda Crook led Ole Miss with 18 kills on .341 hitting, adding a career-high eight blocks and three aces. Melia Johnson contributed a season-high 16 kills on .263 hitting and seven digs. Cameron Bradley added 25 digs, while Carly Paugh recorded a career-best 10 blocks, the most by a Rebel since September 2024.
Ole Miss opened the match strongly, with blocks from Crook and Paugh helping build an early 15-12 lead in the first set. Clemson fought back to tie at 19-19, but the Rebels secured the set 25-23 after a Clemson error and an ace from Vivianna Samaniego. The Tigers responded in the second set, taking it 25-21 after overcoming an early deficit and an 8-2 run by Ole Miss. The Rebels rebounded in the third set, hitting .545 and securing a 25-18 win to take a 2-1 lead.
Clemson pushed back in the fourth set, hitting .333 and winning 25-18 to force a decisive fifth set. The Rebels then controlled the final frame, with Hartsfield coming off the bench to energize the team. Crook’s match-winning attack error from Clemson sealed the victory for Ole Miss.
Ole Miss will take a week-long break before traveling to face Memphis on September 15 at 6 p.m. CT, with the match streamed on ESPN Plus. Fans are encouraged to support the team through the ACE Club and Rebel Rewards programs. Follow Ole Miss Volleyball on X, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
