Clemson softball advanced to the 2025 ACC Tournament semifinals with a 7-4 win over Virginia on Thursday evening in Brighton, Massachusetts. The Tigers capitalized on timely hitting and a game-changing grand slam from freshman Taylor Pipkins to secure the victory and continue their postseason run.
Tigers Strike First, Cavaliers Respond
The matchup remained scoreless through three innings as both teams’ pitchers worked efficiently. Clemson broke through in the bottom of the fourth when senior catcher Aby Vieira singled through the left side, driving in Kennedy Ariail for the game’s first run. Vieira, who has set the program’s single-season doubles record and surpassed 50 hits this year, continued her productive season with this RBI, giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead.
Virginia answered in the top of the fifth. J. Hylton singled to center field, bringing home two runs and briefly putting the Cavaliers ahead 2-1. Clemson responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Senior infielder Maddie Moore, the team’s lone returning All-American, homered to center field for two RBIs, scoring Alex Brown and reclaiming the lead for the Tigers at 3-2.
Momentum Swings and a Defining Sixth Inning
Virginia regained the lead in the top of the sixth when Macee Eaton hit a two-run home run to left center, making it 4-3 Cavaliers. Eaton’s home run came off Clemson reliever Brooke McCubbin, who entered in the fifth and ultimately earned the win with three innings of work, allowing two runs on two hits.
Clemson’s offense responded decisively in the bottom of the sixth. With the bases loaded and no outs, freshman Taylor Pipkins delivered the pivotal moment of the contest, launching a grand slam over the left field fence. The home run scored Collins, Vieira, and Wilson, turning a one-run deficit into a 7-4 lead for the Tigers. Pipkins’ grand slam was her first of the season and exemplified the impact of Clemson’s freshman class, which has accounted for a significant share of the team’s home runs and RBIs in 2025.
Statistical Highlights
- Aby Vieira: 1-for-3, RBI single (4th inning)
- Maddie Moore: 1-for-3, 2-run home run (5th inning)
- Taylor Pipkins: 1-for-3, grand slam (6th inning, 4 RBIs)
- Brooke McCubbin: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 K, Win (14-5)
- Clemson offense: 7 runs on 8 hits; all runs driven in by Vieira, Moore, and Pipkins
Clemson’s lineup continued to demonstrate its depth and power, with key contributions from both experienced leaders and first-year players. The Tigers have set program records in runs, RBIs, and doubles this season, and their offensive consistency was on display again in this quarterfinal matchup.
Clemson Freshman Impact
The 2025 Clemson roster features a freshman class that has played a significant role throughout the season. Pipkins’ grand slam was the latest example, and the class has collectively contributed 33 of the team’s 77 home runs and over 150 hits. Macey Cintron, another freshman, was recently named ACC Freshman of the Year, highlighting the depth of talent in the Tigers’ first-year group.
Veterans like Maddie Moore and Aby Vieira have provided steady leadership. Moore’s home run in the fifth inning marked her ninth of the season, and Vieira has set the program’s single-season doubles record with 16. Both players have been instrumental in Clemson’s offensive production and postseason success.
Looking Ahead
With the win, Clemson improves its all-time record against Virginia to 13-2 and advances to the ACC semifinals. The Tigers will face the winner of the Virginia Tech vs. North Carolina/Notre Dame game as they pursue their first ACC Tournament title. Clemson, now with over 40 wins for the fourth time in program history, continues to build on a season marked by offensive milestones and a blend of veteran leadership and freshman impact.
Head coach John Rittman’s squad remains one of the ACC’s most balanced teams, leading the conference in doubles and ranking among the top programs nationally in several offensive categories. The Tigers’ ability to respond to adversity and capitalize on scoring opportunities was evident in their comeback win over Virginia.
As the postseason continues, Clemson’s combination of experience, depth, and emerging talent positions the Tigers as strong contenders for both the ACC title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Scoring Summary
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| CU | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | X | 7 |
Clemson’s late surge and continued production from both veterans and freshmen have the Tigers moving forward in the ACC Tournament, with their sights set on a championship and further postseason success.
