Clemson softball picks up run-rule victory over Virginia Cavaliers

Clemson softball didn’t panic when things tightened up Friday night, they responded.

After building an early lead and then watching No. 18 Virginia storm back to tie it in the fifth, the Tigers quickly took control again and never looked back, rolling to a 12-4 run-rule win at McWhorter Stadium.

The offense stayed consistent from start to finish, piling up 16 hits and putting pressure on Virginia in nearly every inning. Jamison Brockenbrough and Mac Pavese both finished with three hits, while multiple others added to the attack as Clemson kept traffic on the bases all game.

Sarah Breaux delivered the biggest swings of the night. She crushed two home runs and drove in four, including a go-ahead three-run shot right after Virginia tied the game. Macey Cintron also had a major impact, bringing in four runs of her own and adding a home run during Clemson’s final push.

Clemson had control early with a 4-0 lead, but the Cavaliers briefly flipped the momentum with a four-run fifth inning. Instead of letting it linger, the Tigers answered immediately. Back-to-back baserunners set the stage for Breaux’s blast, which shifted everything back in Clemson’s favor.

From there, the Tigers pulled away for good. A five-run sixth inning, fueled by extra-base hits and timely contact, ended the game early and capped off one of their more complete offensive performances.

In the circle, Sierra Maness worked through the majority of the game and struck out five to earn the win, while Cintron helped finish things off in relief.

With the result, Clemson moved above .500 in ACC play and added another ranked win to its resume. The Tigers will be back at home on Saturday, looking to secure the series.

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