Entering its weekend matchups against Clemson and Georgia Tech, the Terrapin volleyball team was an obvious underdog.

The Tigers (20-7, 10-5 ACC) and Yellow Jackets (18-7, 11-3) coasted to wins over the Terps on Oct. 9 and 10, both winning 3-0. The teams also rank third and fourth in the ACC standings respectively.

But it would be hard to find someone who predicted that their two losses this weekend would be this bad.

The Terps (11-17, 3-12) lost in straight sets to Clemson on Friday (25-18, 25-14, 25-15) and again to Georgia Tech yesterday (25-20, 25-23, 25-18).

In the matches, the Terps struggled on offense as well as defense. Against Clemson, the team was dominated on the front line. Led by Sandra Adeleye, who had six blocks, the Tigers recorded 11 total team blocks while the Terps only had three.

And even when a block didn’t stop the Terps’ attack abruptly, they still struggled. The team recorded a hitting percentage of just .083 in the match, with a meager 28 kills. On the other hand, Clemson recorded a .326 hitting percentage, while landing 42 kills.

Against Georgia Tech, the team had the same problems. Georgia Tech recorded 45 kills en route to a hitting percentage of .337.

Throughout both matches, the team suffered from the problems that have haunted it all season. Inaccurate setting and numerous errors led to runs of points that allowed Clemson and Georgia Tech to win. There were many instances where sets didn’t even reach the height of the net or when they sailed too far backwards, forcing an awkward hitting motion for the attacker.

The team committed a total of 68 errors on the weekend, with 37 coming on the attack and four coming from simple ball handling mistakes. The errors, in many instances, took momentum away from the Terps and allowed Clemson and Georgia Tech to go on ensuing runs of points.

The Terps could not hold onto a lead all weekend.

In the second set against Georgia Tech, the Terps led 23-21, but couldn’t take advantage as the Yellow Jackets won the next four points to steal the set.

The two losses over the weekend brought the Terps’ losing streak to four, just one behind their season high of five. It also ensures they will have a losing season for the second straight year even if they win out. But with games against North Carolina, Miami and Florida State left, that seems unlikely.

Head coach Tim Horsmon could not be reached for comment.

engelke@umdbk.com