CLEMSON, S.C. -- Opening night on the road against an ACC team without your starting setter? Yes, it was a loss, but Bethune-Cookman Head Coach Brittany Williams will take it.

The program-defining, head- turning, did-you-really-beat-them victory eluded the Wildcats Friday as they dropped a 3-1 (25-21,25-15,23-25,25-20) loss to Clemson Friday night.
 
Freshman Jordan Jefferson posted a double-double of 15 kills and 13 digs as Bethune-Cookman extended the match but could never take control of the deciding fourth set.
 
"Super proud of this effort," Williams said. "Would have loved to have taken this to five sets or even pull out the win, but you can't ask for anything more from a season opener. If this is a peek of what's to come with this program, it's going to be a great season."
 
Two days ago, Williams learned that setter Phalen Clark would not be able to make the trip due to illness. J'Nai Higgins came in and delivered 36 assists and eight digs.
 
"That's not bad on two days of practice," Williams. "To run that offense the way J'Nai did tonight was huge, I'm super proud."
 
The offense centered around Jordan, who already could be positioning herself to be Bethune-Cookman's second straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie Of The Year Award recipient. She took 47 swings -- no other Wildcat had more than 19 -- while also adding four blocks.
 
"I'm just hoping I can get better for my team," Jefferson said. "Tonight we learned we shouldn't let anyone discourage us. We can play with anyone."
 
Clemson coach Michaela Franklin agreed.
 
"I was extremely impressed -- Coach Williams has that team playing hard," said Franklin, making her Clemson coaching debut.  "Bethune-Cookman was playing with intensity and that was a great example of it."
 
Senior Rakaya Neely was solid with six kills, while Alondra Bautista posted five kills and 10 digs. Jessica Emile, who saw limited action last season, earned a starting spot and had four kills.
 
Others making an impact were Meraiah Hill with four blocks, while Miranda White and Faith Landreneaux each posting three kills off the bench.
 
Outside from an ugly second set, Bethune-Cookman remained competitive with the Tigers throughout the match.
 
In the third set, Jordan registered five kills as Bethune-Cookman hit .455 and pulled away from a 19-18 lead to take a 24-20 advantage. Clemson got to 24-23 before Higgins' setter dump pulled the Wildcats to 2-1.
 
Bethune-Cookman concludes opening weekend Saturday at 10 a.m. against Lamar and 4 p.m. against Jacksonville.