CLEMSON, S.C. – It was a historic afternoon at McWhorter Stadium as Clemson softball delivered both a milestone achievement and a statement victory. The Tigers (13-6) shut out #12 Mississippi State (17-2), 3-0, on Saturday at the Tiger Invitational, giving Head Coach John Rittman his 1,000th career win.
The victory marked Rittman’s 1,000th in an illustrious coaching career and his 250th at the helm of the Clemson program. With the milestone, Rittman became just the 11th active NCAA Division I head softball coach to reach 1,000 wins. Among active head coaches leading Clemson programs, he now holds the second-most victories, trailing only men’s basketball head coach Brad Brownell, who has 313 wins.
Saturday’s win carried additional significance for the program. It marked Clemson’s 140th victory at McWhorter Stadium and served as the Tigers’ fourth ranked win of the 2026 season — further cementing the team’s growing reputation on the national stage.
The game began as a pitching duel, with both teams held scoreless in the first half inning. Clemson quickly broke through in the bottom of the first. Jamison Brockenbrough worked a walk to reach base, setting the stage for Mac Pavese, who delivered a clutch double to bring Brockenbrough home and give the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Pavese advanced to third on a wild pitch and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Julia Knowler, pushing Clemson’s advantage to 2-0 before Mississippi State could settle in.
The Tigers continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning. Macey Cintron sparked the rally with a single down the third-base line. Kylee Johnson entered as a pinch runner and wasted no time making an impact. Freshman Sarah Breaux followed with a nearly identical hit placement, doubling down the line and driving Johnson home from first base to extend the lead to 3-0.
While Clemson’s offense provided timely hits, the defense and pitching staff ensured the lead held firm. Junior Sierra Maness was steady and composed in the circle, tossing her fourth complete game of the season. She scattered Bulldog hits while striking out three and improving her record to 6-3 on the year.
The Tigers’ defense delivered a defining moment in the top of the sixth inning. With one runner on and one out, shortstop Kiley Channell and first baseman Pavese teamed up for a momentum-shifting double play that extinguished a potential Mississippi State rally. The Bulldogs made one final push in the seventh inning, but Clemson’s defense stood tall to seal the 3-0 shutout.
As the final out was recorded, the celebration was twofold — a ranked upset victory and a historic achievement for the program’s leader. The win not only highlighted Clemson’s ability to compete with top-tier opponents but also underscored the sustained success under Rittman’s leadership.
Clemson will look to carry that momentum into Sunday’s Tiger Invitational finale against Mississippi State. First pitch is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., with fans able to watch live on ACCNX or attend the game at McWhorter Stadium.
For Clemson softball, Saturday’s win was more than just another mark in the standings — it was a milestone moment that blended program history with present-day promise.Up Next
The Tigers return to action Sunday, March 1 at 12:30 p.m. as they host Mississippi State in the Tiger Invitational finale. The game will be available on ACCNX, and tickets can be purchased in advance or at the main gate before first pitch.
