The Clemson Tigers lost the opening game of the Athens Regional, 1-0, to UNC Greensboro on May 15. The defeat brought Clemson’s record to 32-21, while UNC Greensboro improved to 43-17.
The result means Clemson will need to win its next game in order to stay in contention at the regional tournament. The team had opportunities but left six runners stranded during the matchup.
Junior Kiley Channell led Clemson’s offense with two doubles. Macey Cintron, Marian Collins and Kylee Johnson also contributed hits. Graduate pitcher Abby Dunning threw a complete game for the Tigers, recording seven strikeouts and holding the Spartans’ offense to just two hits.
UNC Greensboro scored its only run in the first inning after a leadoff single and a Clemson error allowed a runner to cross home plate. Despite this early setback, Dunning settled into her role and collected five strikeouts over the first three innings. Senior centerfielder Jamison Brockenbrough made two key catches that prevented additional runs from scoring.
In the seventh inning, Johnson singled with two outs but was left on base as Clemson could not capitalize on late opportunities. The Tigers will return to Jack Turner Softball Stadium on Saturday, May 16 at 3:30 p.m., where they will face either Georgia or College of Charleston on the loser’s side of the bracket.
