The Clemson Tigers took the field on day one of the Clemson Classic, ready to show their dominance on the softball field. Facing off against the UNCG Spartans, the Tigers secured a 3-0 victory, thanks in large part to the outstanding performance of lefthander Millie Thompson. With seven strikeouts and no runs allowed, Thompson showcased her incredible skills, earning her fourth shutout of the season and solidifying her role as a key player for the Tigers.
The game started off slow, with both teams struggling to gain any significant momentum in the first two innings. However, in the bottom of the third, UNCG’s Maycin Brown hit a single down the right field line, and Delaney Cumbie advanced to third base, setting the stage for Jorde Chartrand to step up to bat with runners on the corners. Fortunately for the Tigers, Chartrand grounded out to first base, allowing their defense to avoid falling to a deficit against the Spartans.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Tigers finally gained some momentum when designated player Arielle Oda hit a double down the left field line, allowing Caroline Jacobsen to run home and put the Tigers on the scoreboard. The Tigers continued to push forward, with Aby Vieria hitting a single to right center field, allowing Oda to score and giving the Tigers a 2-0 lead going into the bottom of the fourth.
As the game progressed, the Tigers’ defense proved to be impenetrable. They were able to keep the Spartans off the board following the fifth-inning stretch, and Thompson closed out the inning with a strikeout against Cumbie.
Vieria secured the Tigers’ victory in the sixth inning, hitting her second home run of the season and bringing the score to 3-0 in favor of the Tigers. The game finished with a 1-2-3 inning, solidifying the Tigers’ victory over the Spartans.
With their impressive performance on day one of the Clemson Classic, the Tigers have demonstrated that they are a formidable team in the world of college softball. Their next test will come on Saturday when they take on Jacksonville University at 3 p.m. With their talented roster and strong teamwork, the Tigers are sure to put up a tough fight as they continue their quest for victory in the Clemson Classic and beyond.
