Clemson Rallies to Win Season Opener

Oklahoma transfer Corri Hicks hits go-ahead 2-run homer in 8th inning

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:39pm

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No. 9 Clemson rallied from a 1-0 deficit in the 6th inning, scoring 5 runs in the final 3 innings to beat Southeastern Louisiana 5-3 in the season opener for both teams at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida. Oklahoma transfer Corri Hicks hit a 2-run homer in the 8th inning to give Clemson the lead for good.

Why it matters

This was an important early-season win for the 9th-ranked Clemson Tigers, who are looking to build on last year's success and make a deep postseason run. The comeback victory shows the team's resilience and ability to win close games against tough opponents.

The details

Trailing 1-0 in the 6th, Clemson's Jamison Brockenbrough hit a 2-run homer to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead. But Southeastern Louisiana tied it in the bottom of the 6th to force extra innings. In the 8th, Clemson's Marian Collins singled home the go-ahead run, and then Hicks followed with the decisive 2-run blast to make it 5-2. The Lions scored 1 more in the 8th but couldn't complete the comeback.

  • The game was played on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • Clemson scored 5 runs in the final 3 innings to rally for the win.

The players

Corri Hicks

An Oklahoma transfer who hit the go-ahead 2-run homer for Clemson in the 8th inning.

Jamison Brockenbrough

The Clemson senior who hit a 2-run homer in the 7th inning to give the Tigers a 2-1 lead at the time.

Abby Dunning

The Clemson pitcher who earned the win in relief, getting the final outs in the 8th inning to preserve the victory.

Hallie Burns

The Southeastern Louisiana pitcher who threw 6 scoreless innings before Clemson's late rally.

Maria Detillier

The Southeastern Louisiana player who hit a game-tying RBI double in the 6th inning to force extra innings.

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What they’re saying

“This was a great team win for us to start the season. We showed a lot of fight and resilience to come back and get the victory.”

— John Rittman, Clemson Head Coach

What’s next

Clemson will play #5 Oregon on Friday at 4pm in their next game of the NFCA Leadoff Classic.

The takeaway

Clemson's ability to rally late and win a close game against a tough opponent is an encouraging sign for the Tigers as they look to build on last season's success and make a deep postseason run in 2026.