Clemson 6, #5 Oregon 5 (Feb. 6)
Clemson opened the Clearwater Invitational with a statement win over No. 5 Oregon, edging the Ducks 6–5 in a back-and-forth battle that featured timely hitting and clutch relief pitching. After falling behind 2–0 in the first inning, the Tigers responded with three runs in the bottom of the second to seize momentum. Mac Pavese delivered a key two-hit performance and drove in a run, while Corri Hicks provided the biggest swing of the night with a three-run home run that accounted for half of Clemson’s scoring.
Oregon continued to pressure the Clemson defense, retaking the lead with a two-run fourth inning, but the Tigers answered again in the sixth. Hicks came through once more, lifting a sacrifice fly that brought home the go-ahead run. In the circle, Abby Dunning stabilized things after an early jam, working 5.2 innings and striking out seven while allowing just one earned run. Sierra Maness closed the door in the seventh to secure Clemson’s second win of the season.
Clemson 9, #23 Liberty 4 (Feb. 6)
Later that evening, Clemson’s offense broke out in a 9–4 win over No. 23 Liberty, powered by balanced production throughout the lineup. The Tigers plated three runs in the second inning and never looked back, building steady pressure on Liberty’s pitching staff across the middle frames. Kiley Channell continued her hot start, going 2-for-2 with a pair of runs scored and an RBI, while Julia Knowler and Taylor Pipkins each drove in a run.
Clemson’s pitching staff handled a Liberty lineup that recorded 10 hits, limiting damage in key moments. Keira Crosby started the contest, and Sierra Maness picked up the win after tossing 3.1 innings of relief. Maness allowed two runs but struck out two and worked around traffic when needed. The Tigers also took advantage of Liberty’s defensive miscues, scoring unearned runs that helped stretch the lead. The victory pushed Clemson to 3–0 on the young season and capped an undefeated opening day in Clearwater.
Auburn 10, Clemson 5 (Feb. 7)
Clemson suffered its first loss of the season Saturday afternoon, falling 10–5 to Auburn in a game where early control slipped away. Auburn jumped out to a 2–0 lead in the first inning and steadily added on, capitalizing on timely extra-base hits and Clemson defensive errors. Marian Collins provided one of the offensive highlights for the Tigers, finishing 3-for-3 with two RBIs, while Jamison Brockenbrough added an RBI single.
Despite Clemson’s ability to chip away, including a two-run sixth inning, the Tigers were unable to overcome Auburn’s consistent pressure at the plate. Auburn finished with 13 hits and drew six walks, forcing Clemson to cycle through multiple pitchers. Abby Dunning was tagged with the loss, while Sierra Maness and Keira Crosby also saw action in the circle. The defeat snapped Clemson’s unbeaten start but offered valuable experience against another Power Five opponent.
Michigan State 5, Clemson 2 (Feb. 8)
Clemson closed the Clearwater Invitational with a 5–2 loss to Michigan State, as early offense proved decisive. The Spartans scored three runs in the opening inning and added two more in the fifth, putting Clemson in a hole it could not fully escape. Jamison Brockenbrough drove in a run for the Tigers, while Kiley Channell also recorded an RBI to account for Clemson’s two tallies.
The Tigers out-hit Michigan State 7–4, but struggled to convert opportunities, leaving 11 runners on base. Lexie Hames started in the circle and took the loss, while Abby Dunning provided four innings of relief. Michigan State pitchers Jacey Schuler and Carsyn Cassady combined to limit Clemson’s power and induce key outs with runners aboard. Although Clemson went 1–2 over the final two days, the Tigers leave Clearwater with early-season lessons and a 3–2 record against a challenging slate.
