Clemson Softball Knocks off No. 11 Hokies

Tigers defeat Virginia Tech 4-2 in series opener

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a softball game, with overlapping shapes and planes in Clemson orange and Virginia Tech maroon, conveying the intensity and competitiveness of the matchup.Clemson's softball team continues its ACC dominance with a hard-fought victory over a top-ranked opponent.Blacksburg Today

Clemson's softball team defeated No. 11 Virginia Tech 4-2 in the series opener on Thursday evening. The win marked Clemson's sixth ranked win of the season and pushed the Tigers' record to 25-14 (7-6 ACC), while the Hokies dropped to 31-5 (7-3 ACC). Pitcher Sierra Maness notched her 15th win in the circle behind her 11th complete-game performance.

Why it matters

This victory over a highly ranked opponent demonstrates Clemson's strength and competitiveness in ACC softball this season. The Tigers have now secured six wins over ranked teams, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level in the conference.

The details

Offensively, freshman Sarah Breaux notched three RBIs behind her second home run of the year. Sophomore Taylor Pipkins supplied Clemson's additional RBI, while Marian Collins, Corri Hicks and Kennedy Ariail all scored for the Tigers. The Tigers struck first in the top of the second inning with Breaux's three-run homer. The Hokies got two runs back in the bottom of the inning, but Clemson maintained the 3-2 advantage. Clemson added an additional run in the top of the fourth after Collins and Hicks drew back-to-back walks with one out, and Pipkins drove in Ariail with an RBI single.

  • The game was played on Thursday evening, April 2, 2026.
  • Clemson struck first in the top of the second inning.

The players

Sierra Maness

Clemson's pitcher who notched her 15th win in the circle behind her 11th complete-game performance.

Sarah Breaux

Clemson's freshman who notched three RBIs behind her second home run of the year.

Taylor Pipkins

Clemson's sophomore who supplied the Tigers' additional RBI.

Marian Collins

Clemson player who scored a run for the Tigers.

Corri Hicks

Clemson player who scored a run for the Tigers.

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What they’re saying

“Jam with the dive to get us out of a jam 🫡Jamison Brockenbrough makes the catch to get the Tigers out of the fourth and force Virginia Tech to leave two stranded”

— Clemson Softball

“Pipkins Powers it through the infield for an RBI 💪Taylor Pipkins pushed Clemson ahead 4-2 with this RBI single”

— Clemson Softball

What’s next

The Tigers continue their series against the Hokies on Friday. First pitch for Game 2 is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The takeaway

Clemson's softball team has proven its ability to compete at the highest level in the ACC, securing six wins over ranked opponents so far this season. This victory over No. 11 Virginia Tech showcases the Tigers' strength and competitiveness within the conference.