Clemson Tigers Softball: Tigers Defeat the Lafayette Leopards

Jamison Brockenbrough stands in the batter's box during Clemson's win over the Lafayette Leopards. (Photo By: Charles Mays/Tiger View Media)

Strong Start to the Weekend

On a bright, solid orange Friday, the Clemson Tigers Softball team took the field to begin their weekend in the Tiger Invitational. Fresh off their major win over the 10th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs on Wednesday, Clemson hosted the Lafayette Leopards in the first game of a doubleheader. The Leopards entered the contest struggling, having opened the Clemson Invitational with a 22-0 run-rule loss to the Indiana Hoosiers, dropping their record to 0-9.

Clemson left-handed pitcher Olivia Duncan took the circle to start, coming into the game with only three innings pitched so far this year. She looked to get in some solid work against the struggling Leopards. Let’s dive into the details of Clemson’s dominant victory.

Leopards Strike First

In the top of the first inning, Duncan had a rocky start as the Leopards struck early, scoring two runs on four hits and quickly taking a 2-0 lead over the Tigers. Lafayette batters were able to make good contact and place hits effectively to put Clemson on the back foot early.

In the bottom of the first, the Tigers' offense came in hot as expected. Alex Brown led off with a bunt single, followed by Maddie Moore’s single that moved Brown to third with no outs. Julia Knowler then delivered an RBI double to put the Tigers on the board, 2-1. Macey Cintron followed with a deep sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Moore and tying the game at 2-2. The score remained tied as the inning came to a close.

Tigers Take Control

Duncan rebounded well in the top of the second inning, retiring the Leopards in order and putting the Tigers’ offense back at the plate.

In the bottom of the second, Clemson wasted no time taking control. Aby Vieira led off with a single to the outfield, and Marian Collins followed with a double down the left-field line, advancing Vieira to third. Jamison Brockenbrough came through with an RBI single, scoring Vieira and giving Clemson a 3-2 lead with no outs.

Alex Brown then laid down another effective bunt, forcing a throwing error by the catcher that allowed Collins to score, extending the Tigers' lead to 4-2. Maddie Moore followed with an RBI double down the right-field line, scoring Brockenbrough to push the lead to 5-2.

Then came the big moment. Julia Knowler crushed a three-run home run, and just like that, Clemson had extended their lead to 8-2. The Tigers' offense imposed their will, overwhelming Lafayette’s pitcher Sophia Alvarez-Bakus, who quickly lost control of the game.

Leopards Show Some Fight

In the top of the third inning, Lafayette managed to get a leadoff bunt single and, after two outs, pushed across a run with a couple of bloop hits that Clemson couldn’t quite track down. However, Duncan and the Tigers escaped further damage, keeping the lead at 8-3.

In the bottom of the third, Brockenbrough led off with a double to the left-center wall. A few batters later, Maddie Moore added another double, advancing Brockenbrough. Knowler then grounded out but still managed to score Brockenbrough, extending Clemson’s lead to 9-3. That score held as they moved to the fourth inning.

Pitching Change and Defensive Strength

In the top of the fourth inning, Olivia Duncan’s day ended after three innings, as Head Coach John Rittman turned to Brook Melnychuk in the circle. Duncan finished with 3.0 innings pitched, allowing seven hits and three runs.

Lafayette’s Sabina Lehnert knocked a double through shortstop, then Olivia Catalina reached on an error, advancing Lehnert to third. With runners on the corners and one out, Clemson’s defense held firm and escaped the inning unscathed, maintaining their 9-3 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Tigers' offense slowed down a bit, with Sam Minish being the only Clemson player to reach base after singling to right field. The game moved to the fifth inning with Clemson still in control.

Clemson’s Lead Holds Steady

In the top of the fifth inning, Lafayette showed some offensive fight, loading the bases with two outs. However, Melnychuk managed to get out of the jam, keeping the Tigers firmly in control with a 9-3 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth, Brockenbrough continued her stellar day, leading off with a single to right field to improve to 3-for-3. After an Alex Brown flyout, Maddie Moore knocked an RBI single to center, scoring Brockenbrough and extending Clemson’s lead to 10-3. That score held heading into the sixth.

Leopards’ Last Attempts Fall Short

Even in the top of the sixth inning, the Leopards refused to go down easily. They loaded the bases with one out, but once again failed to capitalize, coming away without any runs. For a team that entered the game winless and fresh off a crushing 22-0 defeat to Indiana, Lafayette showed resilience in this contest.

In the bottom of the sixth, Kylee Johnson led off with a single, followed by Sam Minish and Aby Vieira reaching on walks with no outs. With the bases loaded and no outs, pinch hitter Haylee Whitesides sealed the game with an RBI sacrifice fly. The Tigers defeat the Lafayette Leopards 11-3.

Conclusion: Tigers Defeat the Lafayette Leopards for Programs 200th Win

This win was extra special for the Tigers, as it marked the 200th program victory. Clemson showcased their offensive firepower and pitching depth, putting together a dominant performance to start the Tiger Invitational. Olivia Duncan got some solid innings under her belt, and Julia Knowler's big home run was the highlight of the game. The Tigers will look to carry this momentum forward as they face ECU Pirates next.