West Coast Clash: No. 25 Clemson Softball Heads to No. 15 Stanford for an ACC Showdown

Jun 3, 2024; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Stanford Cardinals head coach Jessica Allister smiles looking back at the fans in the fifth inning against the Texas Longhorns during a Women's College World Series softball semifinal game at Devon Park. Photo Credit: Brett Rojo-Imagn Images

For the first time ever, No. 25 Clemson softball is taking its talents to the West Coast, gearing up for a high-energy, high-stakes showdown against No. 15 Stanford. The Tigers, rocking a 28-10 record (9-3 ACC), have been rolling all season, but now they face a Cardinal squad that’s undefeated at home and hungry to keep it that way.

For Clemson head coach John Rittman, this series is a bit of a homecoming. He spent 18 seasons building Stanford into a powerhouse, collecting 750 wins along the way. Now, he returns with a Clemson program that, in just five seasons, has built its own reputation as an ACC contender and a rising force in college softball.

Hot Bats, Big Moments

Clemson's offense has been nothing short of electric, posting a .351 team batting average while outscoring opponents 280-111. The Tigers have hit in 98 straight games dating back to last year’s NCAA Regionals meaning, if you're a fan of offense, this is the team to watch.

Sophomore slugger Julia Knowler has been a problem for opposing pitchers, leading the team with 12 home runs and a .363 average. Whether it’s a clutch hit in extra innings or a walk-off bomb, Knowler has come through time and time again. She’s got 45 hits this season, and over half have gone for extra bases. Add in the contributions of veterans like Alex Brown (54 hits), Maddie Moore (51 hits), and Aby Vieira (42 hits), plus a freshman class that has combined for 117 hits, and you’ve got a lineup that can do serious damage.

Stanford’s Home Fortress

If Clemson wants to leave the West Coast with some wins, they’ll have to do something no team has done this season and that is beat Stanford at home. The Cardinal are a perfect 16-0 on their turf, even though their actual softball stadium is under construction. Instead, they’re playing in Stanford Stadium, a football venue turned temporary softball battleground. So far, it hasn’t slowed them down.

Stanford’s bats have been just as loud as Clemson’s, hitting .356 as a team with 50 home runs in just 31 games. For context, they hit only six more in all of last season. Eleven different players have gone yard, with Taryn Kern leading the way. She’s already crushed 10 homers this season, sporting an .766 slugging percentage while getting on base at a .504 clip. Then there’s Emily Jones, who’s been a nightmare for pitchers, batting .452 with 14 multi-hit games. And if there’s a big moment? Look for River Mahler, who has 33 RBIs and has been automatic with runners in scoring position.

Can Clemson’s Arms Keep Stanford Quiet?

The Tigers’ pitching staff has been steady all year, carrying a 2.60 ERA with 180 strikeouts in 242 innings. With the trio of Reese Basinger, Macey Cintron, and Brooke McCubbin ready to shine in the circle for Clemson, it will definitely be fun to see how they perform against the Cardinal. But this Stanford lineup is disciplined, powerful, and thrives in its home environment. Clemson’s ability to limit free passes and keep the ball in the park will be key if they want to take the series.

What’s on the Line?

With an RPI of 17, Clemson is in solid shape for the postseason, but a road series win over a ranked opponent would be a major résumé booster. Stanford, meanwhile, is looking to keep its perfect home record intact and solidify its standing as one of the top teams in the country.

The action kicks off Friday at 9 p.m. ET, with Saturday’s game at 5 p.m. and Sunday’s finale at 3 p.m. All three games will be streamed on ACCNX. Expect fireworks in California—this one’s going to be a battle.

Analyst’s Take

This series is a legit test for Clemson. Stanford’s combination of home-field dominance and relentless power at the plate makes them a tough opponent, but Clemson’s lineup has been just as lethal. If the Tigers can keep Stanford’s bats in check and continue their own offensive onslaught, they could walk away with a statement series win. Either way, buckle up because this matchup has all the makings of a thriller.