The Clemson Softball team just hasn’t been the same since losing to South Carolina on March 20th.
After reeling off eight straight wins, the Tigers welcomed in a home midweek visit from their arch rival – just to find themselves on the wrong end of a 12-inning marathon game final score of 6-4.
Ominously, since losing to the Gamecocks that night, the softball team has gone 6-4, including a first-time series loss to ACC foe Virginia as well as a first-time home loss to SoCon’s Furman.
Now, it’s time for revenge.
Coming off a road series sweep of Syracuse, Clemson (#19, 27-11, 11-4 ACC) will look to beat top-25 South Carolina (#23, 28-12, 4-8 SEC) and strengthen its postseason position. But first – take back the state.
Led by Mckenzie Clark (.358, 8 HR) and Maddie Moore (.351, 7 HR) at the plate, the Tigers will welcome the likes of DP Julia Knowler (.333, HR vs Syracuse) and RF Lindsey Garcia (HR, 4 RBI-game vs Syracuse) back from injury. In the circle, Regan Spencer will look to continue to dominate (0.87 ERA, 7-0) with support from Millie Thompson (1.44 ERA, 51 SO) – who had a memorable night in relief the last time out against the Gamecocks, blowing kisses and slamming her glove, strikeout after strikeout.
Despite the Tigers being out for vengeance, South Carolina will be excited about taking the series for this season. Playing in Columbia, Carlie Henderson (.355) and Riley Blampied (.305) will look to put in another winning performance against their rival. Alana Vawter (1.94 ERA, 76 SO) is bound to be in the circle again for the Gamecocks, eager to follow up her incredible result from game one (W, 12.0 IP, 153 NP, 3 ER).
This installment of the Palmetto Series heats up tonight at 7pm on ESPNU.
Note: Clemson’s Valerie Cagle will be unavailable for tonight’s game due to being entered into concussion protocol after a brush against a fence in game two against Syracuse on Sunday. She’ll be re-evaluated this week in hopes of being cleared for the pivotal 3-game home stand against top-ranked and ACC-leading Duke.
