CLEMSON — After a huge start to the season, the Tigers finally lost their undefeated win streak.

The #7 nationally ranked Clemson Tigers (6-1, 3-1 ACC) were defeated by the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday, losing in the last minute with a final score of 12-11. After jumping up multiple spots since their large victory against Queens, the Tigers were finally brought back to earth after their loss to their conference rival.

Despite a surge of scoring from the Blue Devils in the third quarter, the Tigers managed to keep a lead, with credit majorly given to graduate attacker Lindsey Marshall, who scored five goals and put Clemson ahead and with momentum.

After Marshall regained the lead, the Tigers continued scoring while playing tough defense. Scores were traded back and forth, and Duke evened up the score with four minutes left. Within the last 30 seconds, Duke #3 Mattie Shearer scored the winning goal that would break Clemson’s heart.

The Tigers started hot in the first quarter, with teammates Natalie Shurtleff and Marshall scoring two goals within the first ten minutes. It was a great start for Clemson, with tough defense and forced turnovers helping lead charges toward Duke’s goal.

Physicality only continued, and Duke began to catch their stride. Blue Devil #9 Bella Goodwin found Duke’s first goal with 11:08 left in the second quarter, but Clemson quickly retaliated with their own goal from senior Summer Agostino, who found her first of the season.

Scores continued to be traded, with Duke scoring two more in the middle of the quarter and Clemson answering themselves. The Blue Devils ended the half with a boost of momentum, with Goodwin earning her second of the game and scoring 6-4, only two behind the Tigers.

Duke started to surge in the third quarter, with Goodwin and #40 Callie Hem reaching a hat trick as they helped the Blue Devils score four goals. Marshall took matters into her own hands, scoring three more goals to put Clemson back into the lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Both teams traded scores for most of the fourth quarter, with Duke’s Hem earning her fourth and fifth goals while Clemson’s Shurtleff reached a hat trick. Duke managed to tie the game up, and a score from Shearer in the last minute ended the game, handing Clemson their first loss.

The Tigers will look to add bounce back against Mercer, who Clemson will visit on Tuesday, March 11 at 3:00 pm.

–Photo courtesy of Clemson Athletics