Clemson Softball Finds Its Stride After Early Season Struggles
- Gavin James
- Mar 18
- 2 min read
Following a challenging start to the 2025 season, the Clemson Tigers softball team has bounced back in a big way. After opening with a 4-6 record in two competitive Florida tournaments, the Tigers turned things around with a 15-game winning streak, featuring key victories over current No. 13 Georgia. Though the streak was snapped in the second game against current No. 17 Duke, Clemson still managed to take the series opener and has since secured its first ACC series win over North Carolina since then. Now sitting at 20-9 overall and 3-3 in ACC play, the Tigers have shown resilience and steady improvement.
Dominance at the Plate
The Tigers’ offense has been a major factor in their turnaround, holding a .335 team batting average. Clemson also holds a .566 slugging percentage and a .421 on-base percentage, showcasing their ability to produce runs efficiently. Through 29 games, the Tigers have 258 hits, with their freshman class playing a pivotal role by contributing 94 of those hits.
Veteran hitters have also stepped up, with returners Maddie Moore (37 hits), Alex Brown (35), Julia Knowler (34), and Aby Vieira (29) leading the offensive charge as well. The freshman class has made an immediate impact, with all seven rookies making at least one appearance this season. Macey Cintron, Marian Collins, Sam Minish, Taylor Pipkins, and Ava Wilson have started in at least six games, while Cintron, Wilson, and Collins have all started over 25 games.
Ava Wilson has provided power to the lineup, delivering the team’s first grand slam of the season against No. 16 Missouri. The freshmen have also displayed patience at the plate, drawing 47 of the team’s 104 total walks.
Strong Pitching & Defensive Contributions
Clemson’s pitching staff has been a key factor in the team’s success, recording a 2.72 ERA through 188 innings while striking out 141 batters. Reese Basinger has led the way, posting an 8-3 record with a 2.24 ERA and 65 strikeouts over 78.0 innings. Macey Cintron has also made an impact in the circle, securing five wins in key situations.
Defensively, Marian Collins has been a standout at shortstop, tallying 40 putouts and 58 assists, while Sam Minish has anchored the outfield with 37 putouts and two assists, including a double play as well. The Tigers’ defensive reliability has helped them maintain control in high-pressure games.
Looking Ahead for Clemson Softball
As of March 16, Clemson ranks No. 27 in the RPI, reflecting their impressive resurgence. The Tigers will look to build on their momentum with a midweek matchup against Fordham in Bronx, NY, on Wednesday at 3 p.m. before heading into another crucial ACC series at Syracuse this weekend.
With a blend of veteran leadership and freshman talent, Clemson has found its stride and will aim to continue climbing the ACC standings as the season moves along.
Comments