The Clemson Tigers lost the first game of their softball series against No. 14/12 Duke, 10-2, on Friday evening, April 24. With this result, Clemson’s record moved to 31-18 overall and 12-10 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, while Duke improved to 37-12 overall and leads the conference with a 19-3 record.
The outcome is significant as it marks a setback for Clemson against one of the top-ranked teams in the league. The defeat could impact their standing within the conference as postseason approaches.
Freshman Mac Pavese contributed a solo home run for Clemson, her sixth of the season. Junior Kylee Johnson added an RBI single that brought home sophomore Marian Collins for another run. Freshman Sarah Breaux also recorded a single during the game.
Duke took an early lead by scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning through a combination of hits and a fielding error by Clemson. In response, Johnson’s RBI single in the second inning put Clemson on the board after Collins had singled earlier that frame. Pavese’s home run in the third cut Duke’s lead to one run at that point.
Duke continued to extend its advantage throughout the game with additional runs from doubles and singles in later innings. Back-to-back home runs followed by another two-run homer after a pitching change sealed Duke’s victory under collegiate softball’s mercy rule after six innings.
Junior Sierra Maness started as pitcher for Clemson but was charged with her ninth loss after two innings pitched. Freshman Lexie Hames made her thirteenth appearance this season and struck out three batters over three innings of relief work. Junior Julia Knowler made her collegiate pitching debut facing two batters late in the game.
The series continues Saturday, April 25, with first pitch scheduled for noon on ESPN2.
