CLEMSON, S.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) softball team fell to No. 10/10 Clemson on Friday afternoon at McWhorter Stadium in the opening round of the NCAA Regional.
The Tigers offense powered past the Spartans with a 17-2 five-inning victory.
UNCG is now 37-21 overall, while Clemson improves to 47-9.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Clemson put up crooked numbers in the bottom of the first with seven runs on six hits, including three home runs.
The Spartans cut the deficit to six, 7-1, in the top of the second with an RBI single from
Jaden Cheek who clipped the ball deep in the five-six hole with runners in scoring position.
Maycin Brown reached base after being hit by a pitch and advanced by
Samantha Lagrama with a single to left field.
The Tigers extended their lead to seven, 9-1, adding two runs in the bottom of the seventh. With one out and the bases loaded, Aby Vieira hit an RBI single through the right side scoring Caroline Jacobsen and Alia Logoleo.
Clemson continued the momentum putting up four runs in each of the third and fourth innings off six total hits and one error, 17-1.
UNCG was able to finagle another run in the top of the fifth as both
Delaney Cumbie and
Jorde Chartrand were hit by pitches.
Grace Loftin then reached on a fielder's choice and Cumbie rounded third then crossed home on an error.
NOTES:
- UNCG had three hits.
- Cumbie went 1-for-2 with one run scored.
- Lagrama went 1-for-2 at the plate.
- Cheek also hit 1-for-2.
- Maddie Spell and Salem Ward each had a strikeout in the circle.
QUOTE FROM HEAD COACH JANELLE BRENEMAN
"Sport is all about momentum. Offensively,
Brooklynn Maxwell did a great job getting on and then we couldn't capitalize and get any momentum offensively. We couldn't turn defense into momentum. We are going to string some things together tomorrow and be sharper at the plate. We need to be ready to attack and have a better start tomorrow. I love our fight, our grit, and our team and we are not satisfied with the start and we are certainly going to fight back."
PITCHING RECORDS
Maddie Spell: L, 12-6
Millie Thompson: W, 14-3
ON DECK
UNCG will play Cal State Fullerton tomorrow, May 20 at 3:30 p.m. The winner will advance and play the loser of the 1:00 p.m. game which is Auburn versus Clemson.