Clemson defeated UNC Greensboro 4-1 on May 16, advancing to its fifth NCAA Regional Championship game in program history. Graduate right-hander Abby Dunning pitched a complete game and struck out six batters, helping the Tigers improve their season record to 34-21.
The Tigers took an early lead in the first inning when senior Jamison Brockenbrough hit a double and was brought home by freshman Mac Pavese’s double down the left field line. Clemson extended its advantage in the third inning after Brockenbrough led off with another double, advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Kiley Channell—who set a program record with her 14th of the season—and scored following an errant throw during Pavese’s stolen base attempt.
Dunning made her third appearance at the Athens Regional and held UNCG scoreless through four innings. The Spartans managed to cut Clemson’s lead to one run in the fifth after stringing together a single, a hit batter, and a shallow hit into center field. In the sixth inning, Dunning kept UNCG from tying by forcing a fly out with runners on first and third.
Clemson added two insurance runs in the seventh. Corri Hicks reached base on an error, with pinch runner Sarah Rocheleau advancing to third after Taylor Pipkins doubled. Brockenbrough drove in Rocheleau with a ground out before Channell singled up the middle to bring home Pipkins.
Dunning finished strong in the seventh inning for her ninth win of the year, retiring three of four batters faced and sealing Clemson’s spot against host Georgia at noon Sunday.
