The Clemson Tigers softball team lost the series finale to Georgia Tech, 4-3, on March 8 at McWhorter Stadium. Despite the loss, Clemson secured the overall series win with victories earlier in the weekend and now holds a record of 16-8 (2-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), while Georgia Tech improved to 16-10 (4-2 ACC).
The outcome was decided by key moments late in the game. Junior Kiley Channell led Clemson with two hits, and Taylor Pipkins contributed a hit and two runs batted in. Both teams’ starting pitchers kept the game scoreless until the fourth inning when Georgia Tech’s Reese Hunter hit a home run with a runner on base, giving her team a 2-0 lead.
Clemson responded in the fifth inning as pinch runners Sam Minish and Kylee Johnson scored on Pipkins’ double to center field, tying the game at 2-2. However, Georgia Tech regained control in their next at-bat when Jayden Gailey hit a home run that brought in two more runs.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Clemson loaded the bases after walks by Mac Pavese, Julia Knowler, and Marian Collins. Hicks then walked as well, allowing Pavese to score and narrowing Georgia Tech’s lead. Pitcher Sierra Maness started for Clemson and threw 109 pitches with four strikeouts before Abby Dunning came on in relief during the sixth inning. Maness returned later to finish out the frame efficiently.
Channell recorded her second hit of the night in Clemson’s final chance at bat but was left stranded as Georgia Tech held on for the win. Dunning took the loss for Clemson and now has a season record of 5-3.
Looking ahead, Clemson will continue its homestand with a midweek matchup against Winthrop scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at McWhorter Stadium. First pitch is set for 6 p.m., and tickets are available online or at the stadium.
