Clemson softball advanced to the NCAA Regional final with a 1-0 extra-inning victory over Northwestern on Saturday, powered by a dominant relief outing from Brooke McCubbin and a timely RBI bunt single from Marian Collins in the ninth. The Tigers’ pitching and defense held firm throughout, keeping Northwestern off the scoreboard in a tense, low-scoring contest.
Wow, what a big win for the Tigers today. Just a hard-fought battle, a lot of back and forth. Pitching duel, I’ve said it probably in our last month of the season, that we just find different ways to win games, and it’s somebody different every game, and it all starts in the pitching circle.
John Rittman
Pitching Sets the Tone
The opening innings set the stage for a classic pitcher’s duel. Clemson starter Reese Basinger worked 3.1 innings, allowing just two hits and striking out three, while stranding Northwestern runners in scoring position in the first and second innings. Basinger’s ability to limit damage was evident as she worked around two hit batters, retiring the side in order in the third.
Northwestern’s Lauren Boyd matched Basinger pitch for pitch, holding Clemson to just one baserunner through the first three innings. Both teams’ defenses were sharp, and scoring opportunities were scarce.
When Northwestern put runners on first and third with one out in the fourth, Clemson turned to McCubbin out of the bullpen. McCubbin recorded a popout and a groundout to escape the jam and would go on to deliver 5.2 scoreless innings, scattering two hits and striking out two. McCubbin threw 71 pitches, 53 for strikes, and allowed just one walk, improving her season record to 18-5 and extending her winning streak to seven games, including six out of the bullpen.
Defensive Highlights and Rare Triple Play
Both teams relied on their defenses to keep the game scoreless. Northwestern executed a rare triple play in the fifth inning when Taylor Pipkins lined out to shortstop with runners on first and second. The Wildcats’ shortstop caught the liner, doubled off the runner at second, and then threw to first to complete the triple play, abruptly ending Clemson’s threat.
Clemson’s defense responded with key plays of its own. In the bottom of the seventh, Alex Brown made a diving catch in foul territory to strand a Northwestern runner at second and send the game into extra innings.
Offenses Held in Check
Clemson managed seven hits in the game, led by Marian Collins’ 2-for-3 performance and Aby Vieira’s crucial ninth-inning triple. Northwestern’s offense was largely contained, with Izzy Cunnea accounting for three of the Wildcats’ four hits. Both teams struggled to string together hits, and scoring chances were limited by strong pitching and timely defensive plays.
Decisive Ninth Inning
The deadlock was finally broken in the top of the ninth. Vieira tripled down the first base line with one out, putting the go-ahead run just 60 feet away. Collins followed with a bunt single to the pitcher, allowing Vieira to score the game’s only run. Reflecting on the play, Vieira said,
When Coach Whitman called squeeze, I was just saying in my head, don’t be early, don’t be early, don’t be early. I know it’s easy for them to go to the replay. I just trusted Marion, see it down, and just do whatever I can to get home and get my hand in there. But luckily, they didn’t throw it there, so I got out easy on that one.
Aby Vieira
Clemson loaded the bases later in the inning but could not add to the lead.
In the bottom of the ninth, McCubbin retired three of four batters faced, working around a one-out single to secure the shutout victory for the Tigers.
Statistical Leaders
Marian Collins finished 2-for-3 with the game-winning RBI, while Aby Vieira went 1-for-4 with a triple and scored the decisive run. Brooke McCubbin pitched 5.2 innings in relief, allowing just two hits and no runs, with two strikeouts and one walk to earn her 18th win of the season and lower her ERA to 2.46. Reese Basinger started and worked 3.1 shutout innings, giving up two hits, striking out three, and hitting two batters. Northwestern’s Lauren Boyd pitched all nine innings, allowing seven hits and one unearned run while striking out nine.
Regional Implications
With the win, Clemson remains unbeaten in the regional and moves into Sunday’s final, needing just one more victory to advance to the Super Regional round. Northwestern will play an elimination game for a chance to face Clemson again.
Clemson’s pitching staff, anchored by McCubbin and Basinger, has been a key factor in the team’s postseason run, combining for a 2.68 ERA and allowing just four hits in Saturday’s contest. The Tigers’ ability to execute defensively and deliver in high-pressure moments continues to drive their success in the NCAA Tournament.
