Exceeding Expectations: Clemson Softball's Impressive 2025 Rise

Clemson, SC April 15: Clemson senior, Maddie Moore, shows big emotion during Clemson's win over South Carolina, on April 15, 2025 at McWhorter Stadium. (Photo By Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

Entering the 2024-2025 season, Clemson Softball had key positions to be filled after graduating 10 senior players. Head coach John Rittman took to the transfer portal and recruited an impressive freshman class to rework his roster. Returning only four starters, how this team would ultimately come together was a cause for concern. Could the new freshmen make an immediate impact? Would the transfers continue their production? As we head into the final two weeks of the season, these questions have been answered, but the final impact of this team remains to be seen. 

With a 35-11 record, Clemson currently ranks No. 17 by RPI and No. 19 by USA Softball. A 14-4 ACC mark has them sitting at third in the conference. They’ve collected three ACC series sweeps as well as impressive wins over teams like Georgia, Ohio State, and South Carolina. A quality pitching rotation, small-ball strategies, and quick base running have combined to make this team more than exceed expectations.  

Fire-powered Offense Has Been Exciting to Watch

Clemson has outscored opponents 250-95 this season. They lead the ACC with 81 doubles, but recently, the Tigers have developed a love for the long ball. In their most recent series sweep against NC State, the team combined for nine home runs. Three of these shots came in game one of the series, their highest-scoring game of the season with 17 runs. The team has showcased its ability to score in versatile ways. 

Leading the charge is second baseman Maddie Moore, with a .452 batting average. In March, the California native was named ACC Player of the Week, earning the Tigers’ first weekly honor of the season. She’s accumulated 12 home runs and 52 RBIs. Beyond powerful hits at the plate, Moore has showcased her speed on the base paths. In the last series, she stole her 47th career base to set a program record. The senior is no doubt having a standout season. 

The freshman class has also made a huge impact on the field. Of Clemson’s 418 total hits, 134 have come from freshmen. Most notable has been Macey Cintron. The dual-threat pitcher and hitter is making strides in every aspect of her game. In her last start, she pitched a complete game while racking up a season-high 10 strikeouts to carry the team to a victory over Winthrop. She’s posted a 7-2 record with a 2.33 ERA through 51 innings pitched. Cintron is equally dangerous at the plate. Hitting in the cleanup spot, her 36 RBIs so far are the second-most all-time by a freshman. Additionally, the righty has hit eight home runs with a .527 slugging percentage. 

The freshmen on this Clemson squad have had no issue stepping into clutch moments and coming through. Last night, Marian Collins lifted the Tigers over the Gamecocks with two home runs on the night. Her second home run was also the walk-off game-winner in the bottom of the ninth inning. Collins has been a home run threat this year, with nine total. Not only is she dangerous in the batter's box, she has stepped in and played the shortstop position well. Marian Collins has a fielding percentage of .917.

Reliable Pitching Provides Support

Clemson's pitching staff holds a 2.80 ERA through 295 innings of work and has recorded 217 strikeouts. Veterans Reese Basinger and Brooke McCubbin have become a challenging duo for opponents. Basinger, a transfer from Winthrop, has gone 14-4, pitching nine complete games. The senior recently surpassed 50 career wins. With 97 strikeouts on the season, she can efficiently work through lineups. When she struggles, Rittman can confidently put in McCubbin to work out of jams. 

McCubbin has collected three saves this season. In a 10-0 victory against Syracuse, the right-hand pitcher struck out a career-high 12 batters. The win was her second solo shutout of the year without giving up a walk and only allowing one extra-base hit. Last night in Clemson's win over South Carolina, McCubbin pitched 5.0 innings in relief and only gave up two hits and two walks. Her poise and confidence in the circle have greatly contributed to Clemson’s success. 

Season Still Far From Over

The program has already punched its ticket to the ACC Softball Championship with two weeks remaining in the regular season. Clemson ends their season with a final home series against Boston College, a mid-week matchup against Tennessee, and wraps up ACC play with a series against Georgia Tech. While the team has already surpassed 30 wins for the fifth consecutive season, the end result hopes for this squad remain high. With strong bats and electric pitching, this roster is capable of making a run. Last year ended with the program’s fourth straight NCAA Regional appearance. The talent displayed on this roster has Clemson primed to explode in both the ACC and NCAA tournaments. Watch out for your Tigers!