Clemson softball faces elimination after a 1-0 loss to UNC Greensboro in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers struggled with timely hitting, finishing 0-for-9 with runners on base.
Clemson softballâs road through the NCAA Tournament became much more difficult after Fridayâs tough 1-0 loss to UNC Greensboro in the opening game of the Athens Regional at Jack Turner Stadium.
The Tigers were undone by one costly mistake in the first inning, and the Spartans took advantage right away. After a leadoff single and a sacrifice bunt moved the runner into scoring position, what looked like a routine ground ball to shortstop turned into the gameâs biggest play. Clemsonâs throw to first was on target, but the ball slipped away on the catch attempt, allowing UNC Greensboro to keep the inning alive. Moments later, the Spartans brought home what turned out to be the only run of the afternoon.
Despite the early setback, Clemson had several opportunities to respond. Kiley Channell led the offense with two doubles, and the Tigers consistently put pressure on UNC Greensboro throughout the game. However, timely hitting once again proved to be an issue. Clemson finished 0-for-9 with runners on base and could not deliver the clutch hit needed to change the outcome.
Head coach John Rittman credited UNC Greensboro for making plays defensively while also acknowledging Clemsonâs missed opportunities in key situations. The Tigers now find themselves with no margin for error for the remainder of the regional.
Clemson enters Saturday needing two wins to keep its season alive, beginning with an elimination matchup against College of Charleston.
Follow along with us as Clemson faces College of Charleston in a make-or-break elimination game.
After that upset loss against UNC Greensboro, itâs do or die. College of Charleston is talented and the Tigers did not want to be in this situation.
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Clemson lost to UNC Greensboro with a score of 1-0.
Clemson made a costly error in the first inning that allowed UNC Greensboro to score the only run of the game.
Clemson must win their next game to avoid elimination in the NCAA Tournament.
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This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Clemson softball live updates, big elimination game against Charleston