In a close match-up between the No. 16-seeded Clemson Tigers and the top-seeded Oklahoma Sooners, fans were treated to an intense game that went into extra innings. The Tigers showed their resilience and fought hard, hitting home runs and taking the lead in the fifth inning. However, despite their efforts, they ultimately fell short, losing a nail-biter with a final score of 8-7.
Clemson softball showcased their power at the plate with standout performances from Maddie Moore and McKenzie Clark, who both blasted impressive home runs. These remarkable hits contributed to the Tigers’ strong offensive showing, as they managed to score the most runs the Sooners had allowed all season. In addition, Clemson recorded an impressive eight hits in back-to-back games.
Although the Tigers didn’t emerge victorious, they concluded their season with an outstanding 49-12 overall record, setting a new program record for the most wins in a single season. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the relative youth of the program. Additionally, Clemson had an impressive 23-game win streak from February 26th to April 6th, which stands as the longest streak to date for the Tigers.
Game Recap
As the designated home team, Clemson took the field with the Sooners stepping up to bat. Oklahoma quickly gained an early advantage, hitting back-to-back home runs and securing a 2-0 lead. Undeterred, the Tigers showcased their defensive skills, executing two impressive plays. They turned a 6-5-4 play to get a leadoff runner for the second out, followed by an 8-6-2 play that tagged a runner attempting to add another run, effectively ending the inning.
In the top of the second inning, Clemson’s pitcher, sophomore Brooke McCubbin, settled into the circle and quickly recorded three outs, including two strikeouts. She forced a popup to second base, concluding the inning with a strong defensive performance. The Tigers’ offense came alive in the bottom of the third, with Aby Vieira and Reedy Davenport both notching singles, putting two runners on base. However, their momentum was stifled when Clark’s solid hit was expertly caught by Oklahoma’s second baseman, who managed to turn a double play.
The Sooners extended their lead, adding a third run with another home run and subsequently loading the bases to bring home an additional run, making it 4-0. Nevertheless, the resilient Tigers fought back in the bottom half of the inning. Caroline Jacobsen ignited the comeback with a powerful double down the third base line. Alia Logoleo drew a walk, placing her on base alongside Jacobsen. Then, with two runners on, Moore stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch three-run shot, launching the ball over the left-field fence. This impressive display of power brought the score to 4-3, favoring the Sooners after four innings.
Clemson Softball Strikes Back
In the fifth inning, Clemson’s defense shut down Oklahoma’s offense, retiring their batters in order. Drawing strength from this stellar defensive performance, the Tigers seized the opportunity to take the lead in the bottom half of the inning. Jadeyn Ruszkowski, the designated player for the Tigers, kick-started the rally with a well-placed single up the middle. Davenport advanced Ansley Houston, who was running for Ruszkowski, to second base with a sacrifice bunt. Then, Clark, demonstrating her power once again, launched a two-run shot out of center field, catapulting the Tigers into a 5-4 lead.
Both teams battled fiercely in the eighth inning, but neither managed to get a runner across home plate. The tension continued to build as the game headed into the ninth inning. It was the Oklahoma Sooners who broke the deadlock, starting the inning with a leadoff home run, which pushed them ahead with an 8-7 lead. Clemson’s Clark attempted to spark a comeback in the bottom half of the inning with a two-out base hit, but unfortunately, she was left stranded as the Sooners held on to secure a hard-fought victory, advancing to the Women’s College World Series.
