BLACKSBURG, Va. Clemson opened its series against No. 11/12 Virginia Tech with a 4-2 victory on Thursday night at Tech Softball Park. The result gave the Tigers their sixth win over a ranked opponent this season, improving their record to 25-14 overall and 7-6 in ACC play. Virginia Tech moved to 31-5 (7-3 ACC) with the loss.
In the circle, junior Sierra Maness earned her 15th win of the year, tossing her 11th complete game. She worked through 31 hitters and recorded one strikeout in the outing.
At the plate, freshman Sarah Breaux drove in three runs, highlighted by her second home run of the season. Taylor Pipkins, a sophomore, added an RBI of her own, while Marian Collins, Corri Hicks, and Kennedy Ariail each crossed the plate for Clemson.
Clemson broke through in the second inning with two outs. Collins reached safely on an infield single, and Hicks followed by drawing a walk to put two on base. Breaux then connected on the first pitch she saw, sending it over the left-field fence for a three-run homer, her second long ball of the year, both producing multiple runs.
Virginia Tech responded with two runs in the bottom half of the inning, stringing together three singles and a fielder’s choice to cut the deficit to 3-2.
The Tigers added to their lead in the fourth inning. Collins and Hicks worked consecutive walks, and after a popup, Pipkins delivered a two-out RBI single through the left side to score Ariail, extending the lead to 4-2.
The Hokies threatened in the bottom of the fourth, placing runners on second and third with one out. Clemson’s defense held firm, as Mac Pavese handled a ground ball at first for the second out, and Jamison Brockenbrough made a diving grab in shallow left-center to end the inning.
Virginia Tech made one last push in the seventh, putting a runner on second with one out after a double. Maness responded by inducing a 10-pitch groundout and then a fly ball to right field, where Ava Wilson secured the final out to seal the win.
Clemson and Virginia Tech will continue the series on Friday, April 3, with first pitch set for 6 p.m. on ACCNX.
