Clemson Tigers Softball: Clemson Tigers Fall to UCF Knights 6-4 in an Extra-Inning Thriller

Maddie Moore make a sliding stop during Clemson's game versus Tennessee in 2024. (Photo By: Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

The Clemson Tigers came into today’s matchup against the UCF Knights looking to break a three-game losing streak in Clearwater. In a game filled with high emotions, critical plays, and late-inning drama, the Knights secured a 6-4 victory in extra innings.

Clemson Tigers Game Recap: A Battle From Start to Finish

First Inning: UCF Jumps Ahead

Clemson starter Brooke McCubbin opened strong, striking out Samantha Rey, but Izzy Mertes quickly put UCF on the board with a solo home run to center field. McCubbin bounced back, racking up three strikeouts in the inning. Kaitlyn Felton took the circle for UCF and allowed just a Julia Knowler double in the bottom half, keeping the score 1-0 UCF.

Second Inning: UCF Extends Lead

McCubbin ran into trouble in the second, surrendering back-to-back doubles to Sierra Humphreys and Beth Damon, pushing the Knights' lead to 2-0. Aubrey Evans added an RBI single on a bizarre infield hit, bringing the score to 3-0 UCF. Clemson’s offense stalled, with only Sam Minish managing a single in the bottom half.

Middle Innings: Defense and Missed Opportunities

McCubbin settled down in the third, giving up just a bunt single to Kittleman. Clemson went down in order, keeping the score at 3-0.

In the fourth, Beth Damon continued her strong day with a single, but the Knights couldn’t capitalize. Clemson’s Julia Knowler (who finished 3-for-3) led off with a single. A defensive miscue by UCF gave the Tigers two runners on, but a nine-pitch at-bat from Minish ended with a groundout, followed by Aby Vieira's ground out to second, stranding both runners.

Fifth Inning: Clemson Tigers Rally, Coaches Ejected

UCF threatened but couldn’t add to the lead, thanks to a huge defensive play by Sam Minish, who threw Ashleigh Griffin out at home.

Clemson’s offense roared to life in the bottom of the fifth. Ava Wilson drew an 11-pitch walk, and Kylie Johnson followed with a single, forcing Felton out of the game. Alex Brown immediately made an impact with an RBI double. Maddie Moore followed with an RBI single, but was controversially called out stretching for second. Head Coach John Rittman voiced his frustration and was ejected. Later, Assistant Coach Katie Repole was also ejected after arguing a Jamison Brockenbrough fair/foul call. Despite the drama, Clemson had tied the game 3-3.

Late-Inning Drama: Missed Chances and Extra Innings

In the sixth, Clemson had another opportunity with two runners on, but a baserunning mistake ended the inning.

The seventh inning saw UCF’s Rey hit a leadoff double, but Clemson’s defense held strong. Clemson threatened in the bottom half after Knowler’s second double, but a base running blunder sent the game to extra innings.

Extra Innings: UCF Seals the Win

In the eighth, Alexis Morgan was placed on second and advanced on a sac bunt. Beth Damon delivered in the clutch with a two-RBI single, giving UCF a 5-3 lead. Coco Jaime added an RBI double, extending the lead to 6-3.

Clemson fought back, with Aby Vieira driving in Cintron to cut the deficit to 6-4. Marian Collins reached on a walk, giving Clemson a chance, but Taylor Pipkins grounded out to a fielder’s choice, sealing UCF’s 6-4 victory.

Final Thoughts: A Hard-Fought Contest

Despite the loss, Clemson showed resilience, rallying back and making key defensive plays. Julia Knowler stood out with a three-hit performance, and Brooke McCubbin showed endurance, throwing 123 pitches over 7.1 innings. However, base running mistakes and UCF’s clutch hitting proved to be the difference.

Clemson will look to regroup and bounce back in their next matchup as they have one more in Clearwater tomorrow at 10 a.m. EST against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The game can be viewed on ESPNU.