Valerie Cagle, Clemson softball’s exceptional athlete, has continuously displayed her outstanding skills and has once again earned recognition as the Louisville Slugger/NFCA National Player of the Week and the ACC Co-Player of the Week for her remarkable performances. Cagle’s multifaceted talent as both a pitcher and a hitter, makes her a force to be reckoned with in the game of softball.
During the recent 3-0 sweep against Georgia Tech, Cagle exhibited her versatility and athleticism on the mound and at the plate. Her .571 batting average, 1.857 slugging percentage, and a .727 on-base percentage, which included three home runs and five RBIs, made it difficult for the Yellow Jackets to pitch around her. Cagle also drew three walks and was hit by a pitch. Defensively, she posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with 10 putouts and three assists.
In the circle, Cagle’s impressive stats continued to shine. She earned two victories, striking out 13 batters, posting a 0.78 ERA over nine innings of work. Cagle’s immaculate inning during Friday’s game, striking out three batters on only nine pitches in the bottom of the second, was also a standout moment. Her exceptional ability to limit opponents to a .100 batting average while allowing only three hits exemplified her capacity to dominate the game.
Cagle’s versatility as a two-way player is her unique and valuable asset. Currently, she leads the ACC in 10 categories including batting average, doubles, ERA, hits, home runs, on-base percentage, shutouts, slugging percentage, total bases, and victories. Additionally, Cagle also ranks in the top 14 in the NCAA in each of those categories.
Her impressive performances have garnered recognition from D1Softball, naming Cagle as the top pitcher and first baseman after seven weeks of regular season play. She was also named D1Softball’s Player of the Week. Cagle’s unwavering hard work, dedication, and passion for the game are evident in her weekly remarkable performances.
Undoubtedly, Cagle is one of the best two-way players in the country, with the ability to lead her team offensively while consistently providing a reliable presence on the mound. Her performances have not only earned her numerous accolades but have also led the Tigers to a 32-1 record this season, currently ranking fifth in the nation, poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Valerie Cagle, as she continues to establish herself as one of the most dominant players in college softball today. Her unwavering passion and drive for the game will undoubtedly continue to inspire and push her team to greater heights. Congratulations to Valerie Cagle on another well-deserved recognition of her remarkable talents!
