WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21, 2021
CAROLINA SOFTBALL STADIUM • COLUMBIA, S.C.
SERIES SETUP
• Who: Clemson (32-4, 22-4 ACC) at South Carolina (23-17, 2-13 SEC)
• NFCA/ESPN Ranking: CU - 16/16; SCar - NR
• When: Wednesday, April 21, 2021
• Where: Columbia, S.C. (Carolina Softball Stadium)
• Watch: SEC Network
• Video Announcers: Eric Brown (pbp) & Amanda Scarborough (color)
• Live Stats: ClemsonTigers.com
• Social Media: ClemsonSoftball SERIES HISTORY
• Overall Record: 0-0 (2021) ACC STANDINGS
• The Tigers are currently in second place in the ACC standings with a league record of 22-4 (.846).
• Clemson is second in the standings only to Florida State, the 2018 NCAA champions, which travel to Louisville this weekend.
CLEMSON OVERVIEW
• Clemson enters the weekend having won its last 12 games, all of which have been at McWhorter Stadium.
• Clemson leads the ACC in overall winning percentage (88.9%), good for fifth in the nation.
• This season, the Tigers are averaging 5.67 runs per game, while boasting a team ERA of 1.37.
THE NATIONALLY RANKED TIGERS
• Clemson enters Tuesday's contest ranked No. 16 in the USA Today/
NFCA coaches poll and No. 16 in both the ESPN/USA Softball poll, its highest ranking to date.
• As a program, Clemson debuted at No. 25 in the USA Today/NFCA coaches poll on March 9, 2021.
• Clemson received its first top-25 ranking on March 1, 2021 at No.
25, according to D1Softball.com.
VALERIE CAGLE, THE NATION'S BEST TWO-WAY PLAYER?
• Clemson second-year freshman ace Valerie Cagle has established herself as one of the best two-way players in the nation.
• As Clemson's ace and three-hole hitter, Cagle leads the Tigers in batting average (.387), slugging (.730), on-base percentage (.460), doubles (9), walks (15), ERA (0.89), wins (20), saves (4), innings pitched (141.1), batters struck out (166), appearances (27) and games started (21) this season, and tied for first in home runs (9).
Pos. # Player B-T Cl. G-S Avg. HR RBI Notes
C 23 JoJo Hyatt R-R **Fr. 35-34 .243 1 8 Started in all 27 games at catcher in 2020 1B 58 Kyah Keller R-R * Fr. 20-15 .291 2 11 Started at 1B in seven of the last eight games 2B 12 Cammy Pereira L-R **^Sr. 25-25 .274 1 10 Started in all 27 games at 2B in 2020 3B 2 Casey Bigham R-R *Gr. 34-30 .233 0 6 Graduate transfer from Furman, where she played 2B SS 8 Ansley Gilstrap R-R **Gr. 35-35 .333 4 16 USC Upstate transfer; missed last season due to surgery LF 16 Alia Logoleo R-R *Fr. 30-22 .246 4 17 Can play infield (usually 3B) and outfield (usually LF)
CLEMSON PROBABLE POSITION STARTERS
Date Day Opponent (Rank) Video Time/Result 2-12 Fri # Illinois State SWOOPLife W (5), 11-0 2-12 Fri # at North Florida SWOOPLife W, 4-3 2-13 Sat # Illinois State N/A Canceled 2-14 Sun # at Jacksonville N/A Canceled 2-18 Thu * #14 Virginia Tech ACCNX W, 8-1 2-19 Fri * #14 Virginia Tech ACCNX L (5), 0-9 2-19 Fri * #14 Virginia Tech ACCNX L, 1-4 2-20 Sat * at Georgia Tech ACCNX W, 5-2 2-21 Sun * at Georgia Tech ACCNX W, 5-3 2-21 Sun * at Georgia Tech ACCNX W, 5-4
2-27 Sat * Elon ACCNX W, 3-0
2-27 Sat * Elon ACCNX W (5), 10-0 2-28 Sun * Elon ACCNX W (5), 8-0 3-5 Fri * at Virginia ACCNX W (5), 9-1 3-6 Sat * at Virginia ACCNX W, 5-3 3-6 Sat * at Virginia ACCNX W, 4-2 3-7 Sun * at Virginia ACCNX W, 8-1 3-12 Fri Furman ACCNX W (6), 8-0 3-13 Sat Furman ACCNX W, 5-0 3-13 Sat Furman ACCNX W, 8-1 3-19 Fri * at Louisville ACCNX W (11), 4-0 3-20 Sat * at Louisville ACCNX W, 2-1 3-20 Sat * at Louisville ACCNX W, 6-1 3-21 Sun * at Louisville ACCNX W, 4-2 3-26 Fri * #11 Duke ACCNX L, 0-2 3-26 Fri * #11 Duke ACCNX L, 1-3 3-27 Sat * #11 Duke ACCN W, 4-1 3-28 Sun * #11 Duke ACCN W, 4-2 4-1 Thu * North Carolina ACCNX W, 4-1 4-2 Fri * North Carolina ACCNX W, 6-1 4-2 Fri * North Carolina ACCNX W (5), 12-1 4-3 Sat * North Carolina ACCNX W (6), 9-1 4-9 Fri * at Notre Dame ACCNX Postponed 4-10 Sat * at Notre Dame ACCNX Postponed 4-10 Sat * at Notre Dame ACCNX Postponed 4-11 Sat * at Notre Dame ACCNX Postponed 4-13 Tue Winthrop ACCN W (5), 9-0 4-13 Tue Winthrop ACCNX W, 6-2 4-16 Fri * Boston College ACCNX W, 6-0 4-17 Sat * Boston College RSN W (6), 10-2 4-17 Sat * Boston College RSN W (9), 4-3 4-18 Sun * Boston College ACCNX W, 6-0 4-21 Wed at South Carolina SECN 7 p.m.
4-23 Fri * NC State ACCNX 5 p.m.
4-24 Sat * NC State ACCNX 1 p.m.
4-24 Sat * NC State ACCNX 3 p.m.
4-25 Sun * NC State ACCNX 12 p.m.
5-7 Fri * at Syracuse TBA 4 p.m.
5-8 Sat * at Syracuse TBA 1 p.m.
5-8 Sat * at Syracuse TBA 3 p.m.
5-9 Sun * at Syracuse TBA 12 p.m.
5-12 - 5-15 ^ ACC Championship TBA TBA 5-21- 5-23 & NCAA Regionals TBA TBA 5-27 - 5-30 & NCAA Super Regionals TBA TBA 6-3 - 6-9 & NCAA Women's College World Series TBA
2021 SCHEDULE
game notes
#16 CLEMSON (32-4, 22-4 ACC) AT SOUTH CAROLINA (23-17, 2-13 SEC)
• According to Softball America, Cagle was tabbed the No. 7 pitcher in the country during the month of March. Of the top-10 pitchers ranked, Cagle is only player that consistently hits, nonetheless one of the best hitters in their respective conference and perhaps the nation.
• Cagle is also riding a 12-game hit streak, dating back to March 27 when the Tigers snapped Duke's then 20-game win streak. Cagle's hit streak mirrors Clemson's current 12-game winning streak.
CAGLE SWEEPS NFCA, ACC PITCHER-OF-THE-WEEK HONORS
• RHP/UTL Valerie Cagle was named both NFCA and ACC Pitcher of the Week on April 20.
• Cagle is the only player in the nation this season to garner both NFCA Player (March 23) and Pitcher-of-the-Week honors this season.
• She is also the only player to earn ACC Player (March 24) and Pitcher- of-the-Week honors (April 7 & 20).
CAGLE'S FIRST CAREER COMPLETE-GAME NO-HITTER
• Valerie Cagle tossed her first career complete-game no-hitter in the Tigers' first of two games against Winthrop on April 13.
• The second-year freshman pitched in all five innings, faced just two batters above the minimum and registered at least two strikeouts in each inning, finishing the game with 11 strikeouts and one walk.
• Cagle also went 2-for-2 at the plate with one RBI and one walk.
FIVE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER
• Clemson is 39-0 all-time, and 22-0 in 2021, when scoring five runs or more.
SWUNG ON AND THERE IT GOES!
• Clemson is 25-0 this season when hitting at least one home run.
• The Tigers are 41-2 all-time when homering at least once.
• Clemson has recorded multi-home-run efforts in 14 out of its 36 games played so far this season.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
• Clemson leads the ACC in ERA (1.37), wins (32) and home runs allowed (12). The Tigers are second in the ACC in fielding percentage (.974).
• RHP/UTL Valerie Cagle (20-3) leads the ACC in ERA (0.89) and is tied for first in wins (20) and saves (4). She is also second in batters struck out (166) and is one of just two players in the conference to toss more than 125.0 innings, having pitched 141.1 innings this season. Cagle is the only pitcher in the nation to pitch at least 125.0 innings with a 0.89 ERA or better.
NOTES
CLEMSON ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS
Contact Patrick Boling (JMU ‘14, Clemson '19) Email [email protected] Cell Phone 434-227-6008 Ticket Office Phone 1-800-CLEMSON
Website ClemsonTigers.com
Social Media ClemsonSoftball
ACC MEDIA RELATIONS
Tyler Beck is the softball athletic communications contact at the ACC office. He can be reached at 336-369-3744 or via email at [email protected].
CREDENTIALS
Members of the working press who desire a media credential to a Clemson baseball home game should contact Patrick Boling ([email protected]). There is limited space for writers inside the Clemson Softball Stadium. Members of the media must request a pass at least 24 hours prior to each game to be considered for admittance.
INTERVIEW POLICY
For interviews, contact Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Patrick Boling and accomodations can be made to interview coaches and players. The locker room is closed to the media following games, therefore, postgame interviews are conducted in the auditorium of the player facility.
See the opposing contact for opponent interview procedures.
WEBSITE & SOCIAL MEDIA
Up-to-date stats, notes, stories and box scores can be found on Clemson’s official website (ClemsonTigers.com).
Live online video, live audio and live stats can be accessed on the ClemsonTigers.com baseball schedule page. Fans can also follow ClemsonSoftball on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
MEDIA SERVICES
Nickname Tigers
Location Clemson, S.C. 29633
Colors Clemson Orange & Regalia Founded 1889 Enrollment 25,822 President Dr. James P. Clements (Maryland-Baltimore County ‘85) Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich (Indiana (Pa.) ‘80) Conference Atlantic Coast Conference Facility (Capacity) McWhorter Stadium (1,616)
Year Opened 2020
Dimensions LF - 200, CF - 220, RF - 205
Record Crowd 1,616
Head Coach John Rittman (New Mexico State '86) Record at Clemson 51-12 (2nd season) Overall Record 801-363-3 (20th season) Associate Head Coach Kyle Jamieson (Brock '97 & Nipissing '98) Assistant Coach Courtney Breault (Nebraska '13) Volunteer Assistant Coach Reese Jacobs (Georgia Southern '79) Director of Operations Jeannie Murphy (Oklahoma '10) Graduate Assistant Jake Combs (Indiana '18) Student Managers Philip Jennings Amanda FitzWilliam Athletic Trainer Katie Rovtar (Toledo '06 & Virginia Tech '08) Strength Coach Ryan Metzger (Wisconsin-Oshkosh '11 & Kentucky '15)
Athletic Trainer Katie Rovtar (Toledo '06 & Virginia Tech '08) Academic Advisor Erin DeChellis (Penn State '11 & ETSU '13) Equipment Manager Ben Miller (Clemson '16 & '18) Sport Administrator Natalie G. Honnen (Florida '03 & '05) First Year of Softball 2020 Season of Softball Second season
QUICK FACTS
# Player (#) Opponent (Date) OB Inn. Outs 1. Guimbarda (1) # Illinios State (2-12) 1 1 1 2. Cagle (1) # at UNF (2-12) 1 1 1 3. Cagle (2) # at UNF (2-12) 1 7 1 4. Guimbarda (2) * Virginia Tech (2-18) 1 3 2 5. Guimbarda (3) * at Georgia Tech (1)(2-21) 1 1 1 6. Pereira (1) * at Georgia Tech (1)(2-21) 0 6 0 7. Clark (1) * at Georgia Tech (2) (2-21) 0 1 0 8. Cagle (3) * at Georgia Tech (2)(2-21) 0 3 2 9. Gilstrap (1) * at Georgia Tech (2)(2-21) 1 5 1 10. Stuart (1) Elon (1)(2-27) 1 2 1 11. Stuart (2) Elon (2)(2-27) 0 2 1 12. Guimbarda (4) Elon (2)(2-27) 2 5 2 13. Guimbarda (5) Elon (2)(2-27) 1 1 1 14. Johnson (1) Elon (2)(2-27) 1 5 0 15. Cagle (4) * at Virginia (3-5) 1 3 1 16. Logoleo (1) * at Virginia (3-5) 3 5 3 17. Johnson (2) * at Virginia (2)(3-6) 2 6 2 18. Hyatt (1) * at Virginia (3-7) 0 3 0 19. Guimbarda (6) Furman (3-12) 1 6 1 20. Gilstrap (2) Furman (2)(3-13) 2 2 1 21. Stuart (3) Furman (2)(3-13) 0 3 0 22. Logoleo (2) Furman (2) (3-13) 0 3 1 23. Guimbarda (7) * at Louisville (3-19) 1 11 1 24. Clark (2) * at Louisville (1)(3-20) 0 1 0 25. Logoleo (3) * at Louisville (2)(3-20) 0 4 0 26. Clark (3) * at Louisville (2)(3-20) 0 4 2 27. Cagle (5) * at Louisville (3-21) 0 3 2 28. Cagle (6) * at Louisville (3-21) 0 6 1 29. Cagle (7) * Duke (3-27) 1 1 1 30. Stuart (4) * North Carolina (1) (4-2) 2 6 2 31. Mattimore (1) * North Carolina (2)(4-2) 0 1 1 32. Keller (1) * North Carolina (2)(4-2) 0 2 0 33. Keller (2) * North Carolina (2)(4-2) 2 4 1 34. Guimbarda (8) * North Carolina (4-3) 1 3 2 35. Clark (4) * North Carolina (4-3) 1 4 0 36. Johnson (3) Winthrop (1)(4-13) 1 5 1 37. Gilstrap (3) Winthrop (2)(4-13) 1 3 0 38. Cagle (8) Winthrop (2)(4-13) 0 3 0 39. Clark (5) Winthrop (2)(4-13) 0 4 2 40. Gilstrap (4) Winthrop (2)(4-13) 0 4 2 41. Guimbarda (9) * Boston College (4-16) 0 5 2 42. Johnson (4) * Boston College (4-16) 0 6 1 43. Cagle (9) * Boston College (4-18) 0 5 0 44. Logoleo (4) * Boston College (4-18) 2 5 2 Note: Home games in bold; all times are Eastern
* - ACC regular-season game
# - River City Leadoff tournament (Jacksonville, Fla.)
^ - ACC Championship (Louisville, Ky.)
HOME RUNS
• Despite missing four games this season, Marissa Guimbarda is tied for sixth in the ACC - with teammate Cagle - in home runs (8) and fifth in RBIs (32).
• Freshman outfielder McKenzie Clark leads the ACC and is tied for first in the nation in triples (6), and fifth in the ACC in stolen bases (20).
• Cagle (0.89, 1st), righty Regan Spencer (1.72, 7th) and lefty Millie Thompson (1.83, 8th) are all amongst the ACC's top-10 in ERA.
GUIMBARDA, MATTIMORE EARN ACC POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
• Marissa Guimbarda and Grace Mattimore were two of 52 total individuals in the ACC to be recognized as 2021 Weaver-James- Corrigan Postgraduate Scholarship Award recipients.
• The scholarships are awarded to selected student-athletes who intend to pursue a graduate degree following completion of their undergraduate requirements. Each recipient will receive $6,000 toward his or her graduate education. Those honored have performed with distinction in both the classroom and their respective sport, while demonstrating exemplary conduct in the community.
CLEMSON'S SWEEP OVER BOSTON COLLEGE
• Clemson claimed its fifth ACC series sweep after defeating Boston College in four games at McWhorter Stadium (April 16-18).
• The Tigers were led by Valerie Cagle who pitched her second complete-game no-hitter of the week in the Tigers' series finale against the Eagles.
• Clemson won its third-ever game that went to extra innings in game No. 2 of its doubleheader against BC on April 17. The result of the game, which went to nine innings, brought Clemson's all-time record in extra innings to 3-0, and 2-0 in 2021.
• Offensively against BC, Clemson was led by Marissa Guimbarda (.429), McKenzie Clark (.400) and Cagle (.400), all of whom hit at least .400 for the series.
CLEMSON DOWNS WINTHROP IN MID-WEEK DOUBLEHEADER
• Clemson defeated intrastate foe Winthrop in its first true mid-week contests (doubleheader) of the 2021 season.
• The Tigers won game No. 1 behind Cagle's first complete-game no-hitter and nine runs scored on nine hits.
• Outfielder Morgan Johnson ended game No. 1 on a walk-off home run in the bottom of the fifth, her second walk-off homer of the season, to give Clemson its 9-0 lead and ending the game due to the NCAA's eight-run rule.
• In the second game, Clemson posted home runs in back-to-back plate appearances in both the third and fifth innings. Shortstop Ansley Gilstrap went 3-for-3 with a pair of home runs to record her first career multi-home-run effort. Shortly after pitching her first career complete-game no-hitter, Valerie Cagle also blasted her eighth homer of the season to tie teammate Marissa Guimbarda for the most home runs on the team this season.
TIGERS' SERIES AT NOTRE DAME POSTPONED
• Clemson's originally-scheduled series at Notre Dame was postponed out of an abundance of caution following positive tests, subsequent quarantining and contact tracing within the Notre Dame program.
• The series against the Fighting Irish was slated to be the first meeting between the two teams.
SERIES SWEEP OVER NORTH CAROLINA
• With its four-game series sweep over North Carolina, the Tigers earned their sixth series sweep and fourth sweep over an ACC opponent this season.
• Against the Tar Heels, Clemson surrendered just one run in each of the four games and outscored North Carolina, 31-4, for the series.
• Four Tigers consisting of Abi Stuart (.556), McKenzie Clark, Alia Logoleo (1.000) and Kyah Keller (.571) all hit over .500. As a team, Clemson hit .417 against UNC in contrast to the Tar Heels' batting average of .125 during the series.
2020
Date W-L NFCA ESPN D1 SA
3-1 14-7 RV (10) --- --- ---
3-8 18-8 RV (6) --- --- ---
2021
Date W-L NFCA ESPN D1 SA
2-8 0-0 RV (9) --- --- ---
2-15 2-0 RV (6) RV (5) --- --- 2-22 6-2 RV (25) RV (17) --- --- 3-1 9-2 RV (31) RV (24) 25 --- 3-8 13-2 25 (58) RV (20) 25 24 3-15 16-2 23 (95) 25 (38) 25 22 3-22 20-2 20 (176) 21 (85) 23 21 3-29 22-4 18 (227) 19 (119) 23 20 4-5 26-4 18 (288) 18 (153) 20 19 4-12 26-4 17 (296) 18 (156) 19 19 4-17 32-4 16 (331) 16 (184) 18 16 Note: Date refers to the Monday of the following week (not exact release date).
Bold denotes final poll.
WEEKLY POLLS
#72 VALERIE CAGLE • RHP/UTL • *FR.
• NFCA Pitcher of the Week (April 20)
• ACC Pitcher of the Week (April 20)
• ACC Pitcher of the Week (April 7)
• Tabbed No. 7 pitcher in the nation for the month of March, according to Softball America
• ACC Player of the Week (March 24)
• NFCA Player of the Week (March 23)
#72 VALERIE CAGLE
CLEMSON’S RECORD...
In All Games 32-4
In Home Games 19-4
In Away Games 12-0
In Neutral Games 1-0
In All ACC Regular-Season Games 22-4 In Home ACC Regular-Season Games 11-4 In Away ACC Regular-Season Games 11-0 In All Non-ACC Regular-Season Games 10-0 In Home Non-ACC Regular-Season Games 8-0 In Away Non-ACC Regular-Season Games 1-0 In Neutral Non-ACC Regular-Season Games 1-0
In February 9-2
In March 13-2
In April 10-0
In May 0-0
On Monday 0-0
On Tuesday 2-0
On Wednesday 0-0
On Thursday 2-0
On Friday 9-4
On Saturday 13-0
On Sunday 7-0
After a Loss 2-2
Against Top-25 Teams 3-4
Against Top-10 Teams 0-0
Against Top-5 Teams 0-0
In Day Games 30-4
In Night Games 2-0
In 1-Run Games 4-0
In 2-Run Games 5-2
In 5+ Run Games 17-1
In Extra Innings 2-0
When Scoring First 27-1
When Scoring in the 1st Inning 19-0 When Leading at the End of 4 Innings 26-1 When Trailing at the End of 4 Innings 4-2 When Tied at the End of 4 Innings 2-1 When Leading at the End of 5 Innings 20-0 When Trailing at the End of 5 Innings 4-2 When Tied at the End of 5 Innings 2-1 When Leading at the End of 6 Innings 19-0 When Trailing at the End of 6 Innings 1-3 When Tied at the End of 6 Innings 3-0
When Scoring 5 or More Runs 22-0
When Allowing Less Than 5 Runs 32-3
When Out-Hitting Opponents 26-1
When Clemson Hits a Home Run 25-0
When Clemson Commits 0 or 1 Error 27-3
In the Last 10 Games 10-0
TIGER TIDBITS
#25 MARISSA GUIMBARDA • OF/UTL • *JR.
• Preseason All-ACC selection
• Ranked the No. 11 junior in the country entering the season, according to Softball America
#72 VALERIE CAGLE • RHP/UT • *FR.
• Preseason All-ACC selection
• D1Softball.com Preseason Second Team All-American
• Softball America Preseason Second Team All-American
• Ranked the No. 2 freshman in the country entering the season, according to Softball America
• JWOS Second Team Preseason All-American
#77 HANNAH GOODWIN • INF • *FR.
• Preseason All-ACC selection
PRESEASON HONORS
NOTES
• In addition to Valerie Cagle, Millie Thompson also dominated in the circle for the Tigers. Thompson went 1-0 in one appearance - game No. 2 of the doubleheader on April 2 - and did not allow a single walk or earned run. The true-freshman lefty posted a career-high 10 strikeouts and had a no-hitter through 5.2 innings pitched.
17-GAME WIN STREAK
• Clemson's 17-game win streak came to an end on March 26 as then-No. 11 Duke defeated the Tigers in both games of last Friday's doubleheader.
• The Clemson Softball program's 17-game win streak tied for the longest winning streak by any women's program in school history.
• Over the course of the 17-game win streak, Clemson outscored its opponents 99-21 in 116 innings, out-homered its opponents 24-5, and swiped 42 stolen bases (on 45 attempts) in contrast to its opponents' 11 stolen bases.
• After dropping last Friday's doubleheader to the Blue Devils, Clemson snapped Duke's then-20 game winning streak, which at the time was the second-longest active streak in Division-I softball.
CLEMSON SPLITS SERIES VS. THEN-NO. 11 DUKE
• The Tigers' split their series against then-No. 11 Duke in what was Clemson's highest ranked opponent in program history.
• After dropping the first two contests of the series, Clemson closed out the final two games of the series with a win.
• Offensively, the Tigers were led by McKenzie Clark, who hit .417 with a pair of doubles and two RBIs.
• In the circle, Valerie Cagle and Millie Thompson held Duke to just 2.25 runs per game, despite the fact that Duke was averaging nearly seven runs per game entering last week's series.
SERIES SWEEP AT LOUISVILLE
• With its four-game series sweep at Louisville (March 19-21), the Tigers earned its fifth consecutive series sweep, third straight ACC series sweep and improved to 11-0 all-time in ACC road games.
• The Tigers won their first game of the season that saw extra innings.
Valerie Cagle went the distance in an 11-inning complete-game shutout over the Cardinals on March 19.
• Cagle then went 3-for-3 at the plate to help the Tigers secure the sweep on March 21 after belting a pair of home runs and a double.
• For the series, Cagle hit .643 and led the team with six RBIs.
CAGLE SWEEPS WEEKLY HONORS
• For her efforts at Louisville, Cagle was named NFCA Player of the Week (read more) and ACC Player of the Week (read more).
• She became the first player in program history to garner NFCA national player-of-the-week honors.
• Her ACC weekly distinction was the third of her career, having been the only player to be named ACC Player of the Week twice in 2020.
SERIES SWEEP VS. FURMAN
• With its three-game series sweep over Furman (March 12-13), the Tigers earned their fourth consecutive series sweep.
• Clemson outscored the Paladins, 21-1, in 17.1 innings of play.
• Clemson's Valerie Cagle, Millie Thompson, Logan Caymol, Regan Spencer and Emma Whitfield all saw time in the circle and combined for a 0.00 ERA for the series.
• Offensively, the Tigers were led by Marissa Guimbarda (.571 avg., 1 HR, 4 RBI), Ansley Gilstrap (.500 avg., 1 HR, 3 RBI) , Abi Stuart (.375 avg., 1 HR, 4 RBI) and Alia Logoleo (.375 avg., 1 HR and 1 RBI).
SERIES SWEEP AT VIRGINIA
• Clemson went 4-0 at Virginia (March 5-7) and out-scored the Cavaliers, 26-7.
2020
Date Opponent CU NFCA, ESPN Opp. NFCA, ESPN W-L Score 2-26 Georgia NR 14, 15 W 4-1
2021
Date Opponent CU NFCA, ESPN Opp. NFCA, ESPN W-L Score 2-18 * Virginia Tech RV, N/A 14, 15 W 8-1 2-19 * Virginia Tech (1) RV, N/A 14, 15 L (5) 0-9 2-19 * Virginia Tech (2) RV, N/A 14, 15 L 1-4 3-26 * Duke (1) 20, 21 11, 12 L 0-2
CLEMSON VS. RANKED TEAMS
• Logoleo concluded her first game back in the batter's box with five RBIs, the most by a Tiger in a single game this season.
ODA'S DIVING CATCH ON SPORTSCENTER
• Clemson outfielder/infielder Arielle Oda was featured on ESPN Sportcenter's Top-10 plays for her diving catch in left field in the Tigers' first game against Elon on Feb. 27. Oda's catch was tabbed the No. 6 play of the night.
DON'T STEAL MY MOJO
• Clemson outfielder Morgan Johnson (aka "MoJo"), who tore her ACL in Clemson's fifth game last season against St. John's (Feb. 9), has worked her way back into the Tigers' starting lineup in right field.
• Johnson hit her second career home run in Clemson's third game at Virginia. Johnson's homer proved to be the game-winning hit on a three-run shot to center field with two outs in the top of the sixth
• Johnson hit her first career homer in the bottom of the fifth against Elon on Feb. 28 in walk-off fashion to end the game via the NCAA's eight-run rule.
RIVER CITY LEADOFF TOURNAMENT (FEB. 12-14)
• Clemson went 2-0 to open the season at the River City Leadoff in Jacksonville, picking up a pair of wins over Illinois State and North Florida.
• With its 4-3 comeback win over UNF, Clemson secured its first true road win in program history. In 2020, the Tigers only competed in two true road games at UCF and at UNCG.
• Second-year freshman Valerie Cagle was the hero for the Tigers after pitching a complete-game (5 inn.) one-hit shutout in Clemson's season opener against Illinois State, followed by a two-run home run performance the next game at UNF.
• With the Tigers trailing 3-2 entering the seventh inning against the Ospreys, Cagle hit her second two-run home run of the day to give Clemson the lead 4-3. She then entered the circle in the bottom of the seventh to earn her second career save with ease. All four of Clemson's runs scored against UNF were RBIs from Cagle's homers.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE IN 2020
• In 2020, Clemson was fourth nationally in total attendance (24,860) and fifth nationally in average attendance (1,544).
• Clemson finished its inaugural season with a 14-2 record in true home games.
McWHORTER STADIUM
• On Feb. 5, 2021, Clemson University Board of Trustees announced the renaming of Clemson Softball Stadium to McWhorter Stadium after Stuart McWhorter ’91 and Leigh Anne Hendrix McWhorter
TEAM
Category Opponent Result Date
Game St. John’s W, 6-2 02-07-20
Win St. John’s W, 6-2 02-07-20
Shutout Western Carolina (2) W (5), 8-0 02-12-20 Home Win Western Carolina (2) W (5), 8-0 02-12-20 Road Win at North Florida W, 4-3 02-12-21 Neutral-Site Win St. John’s W, 6-2 02-07-20
ACC Win Virginia W, 8-7 02-28-20
ACC Home Win Virginia W, 8-7 02-28-20
ACC Road Win at Georgia Tech W, 5-2 02-20-21 Ranked Opponent #14 Georgia W, 4-1 02-26-20
OFFENSE
Category Player Opponent Date Plate Appearance Cammy Pereira St. John’s 02-07-20
At-Bat Cammy Pereira St. John’s 02-07-20
Hit Cammy Pereira St. John’s 02-07-20
Single Cammy Pereira St. John’s 02-07-20
Double Bailey Taylor Duke 02-07-20
Triple JoJo Hyatt Western Carolina(2) 02-12-20
HR Hannah Goodwin St. John’s 02-07-20
RBI Cammy Pereira St. John’s 02-07-20
Run Bailey Taylor St. John’s 02-07-20
Base Reached Valerie Cagle St. John’s 02-07-20 Walk (Batter) Morgan Johnson St. John’s 02-07-20 Hit By Pitch Bailey Taylor St. John’s 02-07-20 Stolen Base Morgan Johnson St. John’s 02-07-20 Extra-Base Hit Hannah Goodwin St. John’s 02-07-20 Three-Run HR Hannah Goodwin St. John’s 02-07-20
Grand Slam MK Bonamy St. John’s 02-09-20
Sacrifice Fly Bailey Taylor St. John’s 02-09-20 Sacrifice Bunt JoJo Hyatt Morgan State 02-23-20
PITCHING
Category Player Opponent Date
Pitch Logan Caymol St. John's 02-07-20
Strikeout (Pitcher) Logan Caymol St. John’s 02-07-20 Win (Pitcher) Logan Caymol St. John’s 02-07-20
Save Valerie Cagle Pittsburgh 03-07-20
Complete Game Logan Caymol St. John’s 02-07-20 Shutout Logan Caymol Western Carolina(2) 02-12-20 Complete Game Shutout Logan Caymol Western Carolina(2) 02-12-20
DEFENSE
Category Player Opponent Date
Putout Logan Caymol St. John’s 02-07-20
Assist Hannah Goodwin St. John’s 02-07-20
Double Play Taylor/Bonamy at UCF 02-08-20
CLEMSON'S FIRST...
Pl. Team (first-place votes) Pts
1. Florida State (9) 141
2. Virginia Tech (4) 136
3. Notre Dame 114
4. Duke 99
5. North Carolina 96
6. Clemson 88
7. Louisville 81
8. NC State 78
9. Georgia Tech 61
10. Syracuse 39
11. Pitt 31
12. Virginia 28
13. Boston College 22
2021 ACC PRESEASON POLL
COVID-19 POLICIES & PROCEDURES
• All Clemson Softball players and staff are complying with the policies set forth by the ACC's Medical Advisory Group.
• All Clemson Softball players are required to test at least two times per week, each week throughout the entirety of the 2021 season.
• McWhorter Stadium reduced its total capacity from 1,616 to 366 spectators in order to safely social distance spectators this season.
ACC PRESEASON HONORS
• Clemson's Valerie Cagle, Hannah Goodwin and Marissa Guimbarda were named to the 2021 Preseason All-ACC Team based on a vote by the league's head coaches.
• Cagle was tenth in the nation in home runs (10), the only freshman in the nation to record double-digit home runs. She was also third in the nation last season in RBIs. In the circle, she tossed a team-best eight complete games and was instrumental in the Tigers' ranked win over then-No. 14 Georgia.
• Goodwin led the team and was second in the ACC in batting average (.385). She recorded game-winning home runs on two occasions and hit the program's first-ever home run in Clemson's first-ever contest.
• Guimbarda hit .355 last season and tied for fourth in the nation with an ACC-leading 11 home runs. She was also 12th in the nation and second in the ACC (behind Cagle) in RBIs (31).
GILSTRAP's CLEMSON DEBUT --> Watch more
• Clemson infielder Ansley Gilstrap, the Tigers' longest member of the current roster, made her Clemson debut in the Tigers' 2021 season opener after missing the 2020 season due to season-ending surgery for a non-softball related condition, Chiari malformation.
• Gilstrap's absence from playing in an official collegiate softball contest spanned 1,007 days as her previous official appearance in a collegiate game was on May 12, 2018.
TIGERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
• Clemson's roster, which consisted of 18 players in its inaugural season, increased to 25 players in 2021.
• The Tigers boast players from Georgia (9), South Carolina (5), North Carolina (4), Virginia (3), Alabama (2), Florida (1) and Alabama (1).
CLEMSON NCAA STATISTICAL RANKINGS IN 2020
• Clemson finished its inaugural season ninth in the nation with 45 doubles on the year, and tied for 14th in home runs with 32.
A GRAND OLE TIME
• Last season, Clemson belted four grand slams from three different players [Bonamy, Taylor and Cagle (2)].
• On Feb. 15, 2020, in the program's ninth-ever contest, Clemson tied the NCAA Division-I record after recording two grand slams in a single inning against Maryland.
• Grand slams in the bottom of the second from Bailey Taylor and Valerie Cagle made Clemson just the seventh team in NCAA Division-I history to accomplish that feat.
TIGERS STUN NO. 14 GEORGIA
• Clemson secured its first-ever ranked win over then-No. 14 Georgia, 4-1, on Feb. 26, 2020 at then-Clemson Softball Stadium.
• With the win, the 2020 Tigers became the first Clemson program to defeat a top-20 team in its inaugural season since the Clemson Women's Soccer team did so over then-No. 15 Vanderbilt in 1994 by a score of 2-1.
• Clemson finessed a four-run fourth inning in the midst of recording six consecutive singles. In the circle, Valerie Cagle recorded 20-of- 21 outs in the infield.
No. Team Opponent Date Inn.
2 Clemson Maryland Feb. 15, 2020 2 2 Boise State #10 Kentucky Feb. 14, 2020 6
2 UTSA Lamar Feb. 8, 2014 2
2 Saint Louis Rhode Island May 3, 2013 7 2 Valparaiso Detroit Mercy April 3, 2010 5 2 UCF Army West Point March 19, 2003 2 2 Missouri State Wichita State April 29, 2000 6
MULTI-GRAND-SLAM INNINGS IN NCAA HISTORY
PRONUNCIATIONS
ALPHABETICAL
NUMERICAL
# Player Pos. B/T Yr. Ht. Hometown Previous School / High School 2 Casey Bigham INF R-R *Gr. 5-6 Waxhaw, N.C. Furman University / Marvin Ridge HS
5 Ansley Houston INF R-R Fr. 5-6 Grantville, Ga. Newnan HS
6 Carlee Shannon OF R-R **Fr. 5-7 Chester, S.C. York Comprehensive HS
7 McKenzie Clark OF R-R Fr. 5-5 Myakka City, Fla. Lakewood Ranch HS
8 Ansley Gilstrap INF R-R **Gr. 5-5 Blythewood, S.C. Blythewood HS
9 Sarah Howell C/UTL R-R Fr. 5-4 Oxford, Ala. Oxford HS
10 Emma Whitfield RHP L-R *Fr. 5-9 Toccoa, Ga. Stephens County HS
12 Cammy Pereira INF/OF L-R **^Sr. 5-6 Winston-Salem, N.C. Furman University / West Forsyth HS
13 Abi Stuart C/UTL R-R *Fr. 5-9 Snow Camp, N.C. Southern Alamance HS
15 Madison May OF/INF R-R *Fr. 5-9 Valdosta, Ga. Lowndes HS
16 Alia Logoleo OF R-R Fr. 5-8 Nashville, Tenn. Hillsboro HS
17 Regan Spencer RHP R-R Fr. 5-11 Lexington, N.C. North Davidson HS
18 Bailey Taylor INF R-R *Jr. 5-7 Winnsboro, S.C. Troy University / Richard Winn Academy
19 Jaden Cheek INF/OF R-R Fr. 5-9 Carnesville, Ga. Franklin County HS
23 JoJo Hyatt C R-R **Fr. 5-8 Buford, Ga. Buford HS
24 Arielle Oda OF/INF L-R **Fr. 5-4 Buford, Ga. Buford HS
25 Marissa Guimbarda UTL R-R *Jr. 5-6 Suwanee, Ga. Furman University / Lambert HS 26 Carsten Puckett RHP/IF R-R Fr. 5-6 Ridgeway, S.C. Cardinal Newman HS 27 Grace Mattimore C/UTL R-R *Jr. 5-7 Ashburn, Va. Army West Point / Broad Run HS
34 Logan Caymol RHP R-R **Fr. 6-0 Buford, Ga. Buford HS
42 Morgan Johnson OF R-R *Fr. 6-1 Evans, Ga. Evans HS
58 Kyah Keller INF R-R *Fr. 6-0 Hollywood, Ala. Battle Ground Academy
72 Valerie Cagle P/UTL L-R *Fr. 5-9 Yorktown, Va. Homeschooled
77 Hannah Goodwin INF R-R *Fr. 5-8 West Columbia, S.C. White Knoll HS
87 Millie Thompson LHP/INF L-L Fr. 5-7 Bedford, Va. Liberty HS
Head Coach: John Rittman (2nd season • New Mexico State ‘86)
Associate Head Coach: Kyle Jamieson (2nd season • Brock University ‘97, Nipissing University ‘98) Assistant Coach: Courtney Breault (2nd season • University of Nebraska ‘13)
Volunteer Assistant Coach: Reese Jacobs (2nd season • Georgia Southern University ‘79, University of Tennesse ‘81) Graduate Assistant Coach: Jake Combs (2nd season • Indiana University ‘18)
Director of Operations: Jeannie Murphy (2nd season • University of Oklahoma ‘10, Concordia University Irvine ‘14) Student Manager: Philip Jennings (2nd season • Clemson ‘21)
Associate AD/Sport Supervisor: Natalie Honnen (2nd season • University of Florida ‘03 & ‘05) Athletic Trainer: Katie Rovtar (2nd season • University of Toledo ‘06, Virginia Tech ‘08)
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ryan Metzger (2nd season • University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ‘11, University of Kentucky ‘15) Athletic Communications Contact: Patrick Boling (2nd season • James Madison University ‘14, Clemson University ‘19) Academic Advisor: Erin DeChellis (2nd season • Penn State University ‘11, East Tennessee State ‘13) Assistant Director of Equipment: Ben Miller (2nd season • Clemson ‘16 & ‘18)
Supervisor of Athletic Grounds: Mike Echols (2nd season • Clemson ‘85)
* - redshirt; ^ - one additional year of eligibility remaining; “Gr.” denotes senior unless otherwise noted.
# Player Pos. Cl.
2 Casey Bigham INF *Gr.
72 Valerie Cagle RHP/UTL * Fr.
34 Logan Caymol RHP *Fr.
19 Jaden Cheek INF/UTL Fr.
7 McKenzie Clark OF Fr.
8 Ansley Gilstrap INF **Gr.
77 Hannah Goodwin INF *Fr.
25 Marissa Guimbarda OF/UTL *Jr.
5 Ansley Houston INF Fr.
9 Sarah Howell C/UTL Fr.
23 JoJo Hyatt C **Fr.
42 Morgan Johnson OF *Fr.
58 Kyah Keller INF *Fr.
16 Alia Logoleo OF *Fr.
27 Grace Mattimore C/UTL *Jr.
15 Madison May INF/OF *Fr.
24 Arielle Oda INF/OF **Fr.
12 Cammy Pereira INF/OF **^Sr.
26 Carsten Puckett RHP/IF Fr.
6 Carlee Channon OF **Fr.
17 Regan Spencer RHP Fr.
13 Abi Stuart C/UTL *Fr.
18 Bailey Taylor INF *Jr.
87 Millie Thompson LHP/INF Fr.
10 Emma Whitfield RHP *Fr.
# Name Pronunciation
2 Casey Bigham BIG-ihm
12 Cammy Pereira puh-RAYR-uh
16 Alia Logoleo lo-guh-LAY-oh
24 Arielle Oda OH-duh
25 Marissa Guimbarda GUHM-bar-duh
34 Logan Caymol KAY-mahl
PLAYERS BY STATE
GEORGIA (9)
34 Logan Caymol Buford
19 Jaden Cheek Carnesville
25 Marissa Guimbarda Suwanee
5 Ansley Houston Grantville
23 JoJo Hyatt Buford
42 Morgan Johnson Evans
15 Madison May Valdosta
24 Arielle Oda Buford
10 Emma Whitfield Toccoa
SOUTH CAROLINA (5)
8 Ansley Gilstrap Blythewood
77 Hannah Goodwin West Columbia
26 Carsten Puckett Ridgeway
6 Carlee Shannon Chester
18 Bailey Taylor Winnsboro
NORTH CAROLINA (4)
2 Casey Bigham Waxhaw
12 Cammy Pereira Winston-Salem
17 Regan Spencer Lexington
13 Abi Stuart Snow Camp
VIRGINIA (3)
77 Valerie Cagle Yorktown
ROSTER
Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism at New Mexico State (1986).
Playing Experience: Three-year letterman at New Mexico State (1984-86).
Coaching Experience: Assistant Coach at Oregon (1988-90) ... Assistant Coach at Minnesota (1991-92) ... Assistant Coach
at Washington (1993-96) ... Head Coach at Stanford (1997- 2014) ... Associate Head Coach at Kansas (2015, 2017) ...
Head Coach at Clemson (2020-present).
Family: Wife, Lorie Rittman ... sons, Justin and Jake.
RITTMAN'S HEAD COACHING RECORD
Year School W-L NCAA
1997 Stanford 31-27-1
1998 Stanford 41-18 Regionals
1999 Stanford 40-25 Regionals
2000 Stanford 45-18 Regionals
2001 Stanford 54-16-1 World Series
2002 Stanford 44-20 Regionals
2003 Stanford 41-26 Regionals
2004 Stanford 49-19 World Series 2005 Stanford 43-16 Super Regionals 2006 Stanford 42-18 Super Regionals
2007 Stanford 35-21-1 Regionals
2008 Stanford 49-15 Super Regionals 2009 Stanford 48-11 Super Regionals
2010 Stanford 37-19 Regionals
2011 Stanford 42-17 Super Regionals
2012 Stanford 40-19 Regionals
2013 Stanford 39-21 Regionals
2014 Stanford 30-25
2020 Clemson 19-8 N/A
2021 Clemson 32-4
* - conference champion
RITTMAN'S HEAD COACHING RECORD
School Seasons Years W-L Win % Stanford 18 1997-2014 750-351-3 .681
Clemson 2 2020-21 51-12 .810
Totals 20 1997-2014, 2020-21 801-363-3 .686
RITTMAN VS. ACC AS CLEMSON HEAD COACH
Team Overall Home Away Neutral
Boston College 4-0 4-0 0-0 0-0
Duke 2-3 2-2 0-0 0-1
Florida State 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Georgia Tech 3-0 0-0 3-0 0-0
Louisville 4-0 0-0 4-0 0-0
North Carolina 4-0 4-0 0-0 0-0
NC State 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Notre Dame 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
Pittsburgh 2-1 2-1 0-0 0-0
Virginia 7-0 3-0 4-0 0-0
Virginia Tech 1-2 1-2 0-0 0-0
Totals 27-6 16-5 11-0 0-1
Note: Clemson's neutral-site game against Duke (Feb. 7, 2020) was not considered an ACC contest towards the league's standings.
HEAD COACH JOHN RITTMAN
John Rittman, a longtime head coach and member of
the USA Softball Women’s National Team coaching pool,
was named the first Head Coach of Clemson Softball on
Nov. 3, 2017. Rittman came to Clemson after serving as
the Associate Head Coach at the University of Kansas
from 2015-17. Rittman joined the Jayhawks after 18
seasons as the Head Coach at Stanford University and
10 years on the United States National Team coaching
staff (2001-08, 2016-18).
In its inaugural season, Rittman transcended Clemson
into a nationally-respected program. Rittman guided
Clemson, which was predicted to finish in 10th in the
conference, according to the 2020 ACC preseason
poll, to a 19-8 overall record, including 5-1 in ACC play.
The Tigers, who won both of their ACC series against
Virginia and Pitt, won 11 of their final 12 games before
the 2020 season was cut short due to the coronavirus
pandemic (COVID-19). Additionally, Clemson went
14-2 at Clemson Softball Stadium, which included
a 13-game home win streak that spanned 25 days.
Rittman and the Tigers generated plenty of enthusiasm
among the Clemson faithful as the first-year program
ranked fourth nationally in attendance (24,860) and
fifth in average attendance (1,544/game) in 2020. On
March 3, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association
(NFCA) announced the first-year program received
votes (10) in the fifth edition of the 2020 USA Today/
NFCA D1 Top 25 Coaches Poll. The announcement
came after Clemson defeated then-No. 14 Georgia,
4-1, on Feb. 26 at Clemson Softball Stadium before
sweeping the Cavaliers to win its first-ever ACC series.
Under the direction of Rittman, three Tigers in Valerie
Cagle (twice), Marissa Guimbarda and Logan Caymol
earned ACC weekly honors on four occasions, the most
by any ACC program in 2020. Cagle, a true freshman
in 2020, was second in the nation in RBIs (36), while
Guimbarda finished the season fourth nationally in
home runs (11). Both Cagle and Guimbarda led the ACC
in RBIs and home runs, respectively.
At Stanford, Rittman and the Cardinals recorded
18-consecutive winning seasons, made 16-straight
NCAA appearances, notched 13 40-win seasons and
produced at least one All-American in 15 of his last
17 seasons. As head coach, Rittman accumulated a
750-351-3 overall mark, coached a national player of
the year, 16 All-Americans, earned five Super Regional
appearances, two Women’s College World Series
season NFCA top-25 poll for more than a decade.
Rittman served on the staff of the USA Softball team
which won gold at both the 2016 Women’s Softball
World Championship and the 2017 Pan Am Qualifier.
He also worked with Team USA from 2001-08,
coaching the 2004 Olympic gold medal winners in
Athens and the 2008 silver medalists in Beijing. Team
USA also won gold medals at the 2002 and 2006 World
Championship and the 2003 and 2007 Pan Am Games.
Prior to being named head coach at Stanford, Rittman
spent four seasons as an assistant coach at the
University of Washington, focusing on hitting and
defense. Rittman helped start the program and, within
just four seasons, the Huskies had earned a No. 1
national ranking, won the 1996 Pac-10 Championship,
made three NCAA Tournament appearances and
notched a runner-up finish in their first trip to the
Women’s College World Series. Washington became
the first team since Texas A&M (1983) to advance to
the championship game in its first appearance at the
WCWS.
Before his appointment at Washington, Rittman
spent two seasons as an assistant at the University of
Minnesota. During his second year, the Golden Gophers
won the Big Ten Conference with a 20-4 league record.
The Gophers set team and individual records in almost
every offensive category. The Minnesota squad led
the nation in hits and total bases en route to a No. 15
national ranking. Rittman also helped produce two
Golden Gopher All-Americans.
From 1988-90, Rittman was an assistant coach at the
University of Oregon. During his stay, the Ducks played
in the 1989 Women’s College World Series, set several
team and individual offensive records and produced an
All-American.
Rittman graduated from New Mexico State with a
degree in journalism in 1986. He was a three-year
letterwinner in baseball as an outfielder at NMSU after
transferring from Yavapai Junior College in Prescott,
Arizona.
Rittman and his wife, Lorie, a former softball player at
the University of Oklahoma, are the parents of Justin, a
UCLA graduate and former fullback for the Bruins, and
HEAD COACH JOHN RITTMAN
For the Clemson softball team, last season — its inaugural season — was supposed to the special.
It was supposed to be celebrated and remembered forever. And it will be remembered forever but not for the reasons it was supposed to be remembered for.
The Tigers opened the 2020 season with a 19-8 overall record, having won 11 of their final 12 con- tests, including a ranked win over No. 14 Georgia and a pair of ACC series against Virginia and Pitt. They were blistering hot. They had found their groove.
But the fairy tale plot that had transpired midway through the season was proceeded by a twisted turn. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic not only abruptly halted Clemson softball’s inaugural season but also the world’s existing perception of normalcy.
On March 12, 2020, the Tigers’ bags were packed, and the team bus waited in front of Clemson Soft- ball Stadium, but no one boarded. Instead of taking a short trip to Atlanta to play in its first-ever ACC road series, Head Coach John Rittman informed his players, initially, that the Tigers were not going to be heading to Georgia Tech. Shortly after the team meeting was dismissed, the news broke over social media. The NCAA had canceled all remaining 2019- 20 championships. The ACC then proceeded to can- cel all outstanding contests as well, effectively end- ing Clemson’s first season.
“That was a very somber moment, especially for our one senior and, really, all of our players to kind of comprehend,” said Rittman to a group of reporters during a virtual press conference on March 20. “We were getting ready to get on the bus, and then, our season was over … I think shock is the best word I can use right now — we were literally in shock. Cer- tainly, at the time, we didn’t know everything that we know now, but we understand that those deci- sions were made for the best interest of everybody involved.”
It was a tough, but necessary, pill to swallow. But fast-forwarding almost one year from then, Clemson softball is poised to make its return to the field in February of 2021.
The Tigers return 16 of the 18 players from the 2020 roster. Clemson will look to fill the void left by MK Bonamy, who graduated in the summer of 2020.
Bonamy started in all 27 games at first base and was the team’s leader inside the dugout. However, the Ti- gers look forward to the addition of Ansley Gilstrap, a senior infielder who was sidelined last year due to a season-ending surgery. Gilstrap, who transferred to Clemson in the summer of 2018, brings three years of playing experience and was also one the Tigers’
leaders inside the locker room, despite not compet- ing last season. Joining Gilstrap in the senior class is Casey Bigham, a transfer from Furman University,
the 2020 season. The upcoming year is likely to be Pereira’s last as a collegiate softball player, as she intends to pursue her dreams of becoming a doctor.
Pereira led off in all 27 games for the Tigers at sec- ond base and was second on the team in runs scored (21). In 2020, Guimbarda tied for fourth in the nation with an ACC-leading mark of 11 home runs. She also led the conference in slugging (.868) and was 12th in the nation and second in the ACC with 31 RBIs. Mat- timore, who played two seasons of collegiate softball at Army West Point in 2018 and 2019, proved to be one of the most effective hitters for the Tigers last season. She hit .333 in 66 at-bats and led the ACC with 10 doubles on the season. She was also second in the league in walks (22) and fourth in on-base percentage (.494), both of which were team bests last year. Taylor made 25 appearances, including 24 games started at third base. In addition to leading the team in assists (41), Taylor recorded Clemson’s first run, hit by pitch, double and sacrifice fly. She also recorded her third career grand slam against Maryland on Feb. 15, helping Clemson become just the seventh program in NCAA Division I history to re- cord two grand slams in a single inning.
Twelve of Clemson’s 25 players classify as either redshirt freshmen or double-redshirt freshmen, which serves as a reminder that like the program it- self, the 2021 roster is still very young. Among those freshmen, perhaps no individual stands out more than Valerie Cagle. Cagle is both an ace in the circle and one of the top hitters, if not the top hitter, on the Tigers’ roster. In 2020, she started in all 27 games, including a team-high 13 starts and eight complete games in the circle. As a true freshman, she hit .376 and tallied 10 home runs and five doubles in just 93 at-bats. The Yorktown, Va., native was the only fresh- man in the country to hit at least 10 homers, which put her 10th in the nation among all players and sec- ond in the ACC only to Guimbarda. Cagle was also the only player in the conference to earn ACC Player of the Week more than once in 2020. Cagle, who hit the Tigers’ first of two grand slams against the Terrapins on Feb. 15, was just one of four players in the country to record eight RBIs in a single game in 2020. Ad- ditionally, she allowed just three hits and recorded 20-of-21 outs within the infield against the No. 14 Bulldogs in Clemson’s first-ever ranked win.
In addition to Cagle, Clemson returns Logan Cay- mol, its first-ever signee, and Emma Whitfield in the circle. Caymol went 7-2 on the year and threw a no- hitter in Clemson’s first win inside Clemson Softball Stadium against Western Carolina (Feb. 12). Whit- field went 3-0 and saw a steady decrease in ERA as the 2020 season progressed. She also threw her first career complete game in Clemson’s 11-2 win over Charlotte.
JoJo Hyatt and Abi Stuart are the team’s return-
She led the team in batting average (.385), which was also good for second in the ACC, and was ninth in the league in on-base percentage (.448). Goodwin recorded the program’s first home run in its first-ever game against St. John’s on a game-winning shot to the opposite field. She then delivered yet another game-winning homer against Stetson in the Tigers’
only game of the season to reach extra innings. The West Columbia, S.C., native also orchestrated a nine- game hitting streak, which spanned Feb. 22-March 9, and recorded at least one hit in 22-of-26 games played. Keller served as Bonamy’s backup at first base last year but will likely see her role increase this season. A power hitter from Hollywood, Ala., Keller has had a stellar offseason, according to Rittman, and will compete for the starting job at first base.
Perhaps, where the Tigers have the most depth is in the outfield. Clemson returns five redshirt fresh- men who played in the grass last year, including Alia Logoleo, Arielle Oda, Carlee Shannon, Morgan John- son and Madison May. Logoleo, who missed the first six games last year due to a torn labrum, recovered nearly two months ahead of schedule and was argu- ably the most improved player over the course of the abbreviated season. She hit .345 and posted four doubles and a team-high two triples. Logoleo also re- corded a seven-game hitting streak and posted sev- en stolen bases on the year, good for second on the team. Oda, a lefty slap hitter, made 24 appearances, including nine starts, and can play both infield and outfield. In 2020, she achieved an on-base percent- age of .476. Shannon serves as the team’s primary pinch runner. Last year, she recorded a team-high nine stolen bases, which tied for ninth in the ACC.
Both Johnson and May missed the bulk of 2020 due to season-ending surgeries. Johnson had started in all four appearances before suffering an ACL tear in Clemson’s fifth game of the season, while May had appeared in six games, including four starts, before undergoing an upper-body surgery.
Rittman and the Tigers also welcome the addition of seven true freshmen in Jaden Cheek (INF/UTL), McKenzie Clark (OF), Ansley Houston (INF), Sarah Howell (C/UTL), Carsten Puckett (RHP/IF), Regan Spencer (RHP) and Millie Thompson (LHP/INF). Col- lectively, the incoming freshman class, which was ranked 14th in the nation by ExtraInningSoftball.
com and No. 24 by FloSoftball.com, includes three top-100 prospects in Cheek, Clark and Howell. Addi- tionally, Clemson was the second-highest rated class in the ACC and one of four ACC programs in the top 25, according to ExtraInningSoftball.com.
“We are extremely excited to get back on the field again and compete,” Rittman said. “We know this is a new team with new challenges and opportunities that lie in front of us, and we can’t wait to get started on our journey. We have to take it one day at a time
SEASON OUTLOOK
March 14, 2017
Clemson Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich announced the addition of the softball program
Oct. 6, 2017
Softball stadium received initial construction approval from the Clemson University Board of Trustees
Nov. 3, 2017
John Rittman selected as the program’s first head coach Nov. 8, 2017
Logan Caymol became the first Clemson Softball signee Dec. 4, 2017
Kyle Jamieson joined softball staff as Associate Head Coach July 10, 2018
Courtney Breault joined softball staff as Assistant Coach July 24, 2018
Jeannie Murphy joined softball staff as Director of Operations Feb. 2, 2019
Clemson Softball Stadium broke ground July 9, 2019
Clemson Softball Stadium topping out ceremony July 9, 2019
ACC and Big Ten announced Clemson as one of six host sites for the 2020 Big Ten/
ACC Challenge Aug. 26, 2019
Clemson held its first round of individual practices Sept. 17, 2019
Clemson held its first official team practice Sept. 30, 2019
Clemson held first team practice on the field of Clemson Softball Stadium Oct. 2, 2019
Clemson held its first-ever scrimmage against Erskine College on the campus of Southern Wesleyan University
Nov. 11, 2019
Clemson announced its inaugural spring schedule Dec. 3, 2019
The team and coaching staff officially moved into the facility on a full-time basis Jan. 24, 2020
Clemson Softball Stadium ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 25, 2020
Clemson held its first-ever Fan Day at Clemson Softball Stadium Feb. 7, 2020
Clemson defeated St. John's, 6-2, in its inaugural game, which was held at UCF's Black & Gold Tournament in Orlando, Fla. Freshman RHP Logan Caymol threw out the program's first-ever pitch and earned the win in the circle, while freshman infielder Hannah Goodwin recorded the program's first home run, a three-run shot to opposite right to break a 1-1 tie in the fifth inning.
Feb. 9, 2020
After trailing 9-4 entering the top of the sixth, Clemson scored 15 straight runs in the final two innings, including 12 runs in the seventh, to defeat St. John's again by a final score of 19-9 at UCF's Black & Gold Tournament in Orlando, Fla.
Feb. 12, 2020
Clemson held its inaugural home opener in a doubleheader against Western Carolina.
Senior infielder MK Bonamy recorded the first hit at Clemson Softball Stadium. The Tigers fell 0-2 in the first contest. Freshman RHP Logan Caymol threw a complete game no-hitter in the nightcap against the Catamounts as Clemson defeated WCU 8-0 in five innings.
Feb. 15, 2020
Clemson defeated Maryland 21-2 at Clemson Softball Stadium in the Tigers' second game of the B1G/ACC Challenge. The game was highlighted by 14 Tiger runs scored in the second inning. Junior infielder Bailey Taylor and Freshman RHP/UTL Valerie Cagle both hit grand slams in the bottom of the second to make Clemson, which was in its ninth contest as a program at the time, just the seventh program in NCAA Division-I history to record at least two grand slams in a single inning.
Feb. 18, 2020
Freshman RHP/UTL Valerie Cagle and freshman RHP Logan Caymol swept ACC Player and Pitcher of the Week awards, respectively. It was the only instance in which two freshmen won both awards in the same week.
Feb. 22, 2020
Freshman infielder Hannah Goodwin recorded a game-winning two-run home run to break a 5-5 tie against Stetson, which gave Clemson its first-ever win in extra innings.
Feb. 26, 2020
Clemson earned its first-ever ranked win in a 4-1 victory over then-No. 14 Geogia at Clemson Softball Stadium. After trailing 1-0 in the third, the Tigers capitalized on a four-run fourth inning. Clemson posted six straight singles in the inning. Freshman RHP/UTL Valerie Cagle earned the win in the circle and recorded 20-of-21 outs in the infield.
March 1, 2020
Clemson won its first-ever ACC series after sweeping Virginia at Clemson Softball Stadium. Freshman RHP/UTL Valerie Cagle hit a walkoff home run in the bottom of the bottom of the seventh to win the first game of the series on Feb. 28. The Tigers won the third and final game of the series, 12-3, in just six innings.
March 3, 2020
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced Clemson received 10 votes in the fifth edition of the 2020 USA Today/NFCA Top 25 Coaches Poll, marking the first the program received votes in the poll.
March 12, 2020
The NCAA announced the cancellation of all 2019-20 championships due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The ACC then suspended all regular-season games, but never rescheduled them, effectively ending Clemson's inaugural season after the Tigers achieved a 19-8 overall record.
Feb. 5, 2021
Clemson University Board of Trustees announced the renaming of Clemson Softball Stadium to McWhorter Stadium after Stuart McWhorter ’91 and Leigh Anne Hendrix McWhorter, of Nashville, Tenn., pledged a Cornerstone Partner Gift of $2.5 million to IPTAY and Clemson Athletics.
Feb. 12, 2021
Clemson earned its first true road win in program history in a 4-3 comeback win over North Florida at the River City Leadoff tournament in Jacksonville, Fla. Second-year freshman RHP/UTL Valerie Cagle recorded a pair of two-run homers, including the game-winning hit in the top of the seventh to give the Tigers a go-ahead 4-3 lead. After hitting the game-winning homer in the top of the seventh, Cagle entered the circle and earned her second career save with ease.
Feb. 21, 2021
Clemson won its first true road series, also its first-ever ACC road series, in a 3-0 series sweep at Georgia Tech (Feb. 20-21).
March 1, 2021
Clemson received its first top-25 ranking at No. 25, according to D1Softball.com.
March 9, 2021
Clemson cracked the NFCA/USA Today coaches poll for the first time at No. 25.
March 27, 2021
Clemson earned its highest ranked win against then-No. 11 Duke live on ACC Network at McWhorter Stadium by a final score of 4-1. With the win, the Tigers snapped Duke's then-20 game winning streak, the second-longest winning streak by any Division-I softball team at that point in time.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
2021 Clemson Softball
Overall Statistics for Clemson (as of Apr 18, 2021)
(All games Sorted by Batting avg)
Record: 32-4 Home: 19-4 Away: 12-0 Neutral: 1-0 ACC: 22-4
Player avg gp-gs ab r h 2b 3b hr rbi tb slg% bb hp so gdp ob% sf sh sb-att po a e fld%
72 Valerie Cagle . 3 8 7 36-36 111 28 43 9 1 9 30 81 . 7 3 0 15 0 17 0 . 4 6 0 0 1 4-4 23 35 1 . 9 8 3 7 McKenzie Clark . 3 7 3 36-36 118 33 44 6 6 5 20 77 . 6 5 3 13 3 9 0 . 4 4 1 2 0 20-23 36 2 0 1.000
8 Ansley Gilstrap . 3 3 3 35-35 99 30 33 5 1 4 16 52 . 5 2 5 10 11 13 0 . 4 5 0 0 0 13-14 30 73 7 . 9 3 6 25 Marissa Guimbarda . 3 1 9 32-32 94 16 30 6 0 9 32 63 . 6 7 0 10 3 15 1 . 3 9 8 1 0 0-0 12 0 0 1.000
12 Cammy Pereira . 2 7 4 29-29 84 14 23 2 2 1 10 32 . 3 8 1 3 2 12 0 . 3 1 1 1 2 4-4 36 49 6 . 9 3 4 ---
42 Morgan Johnson . 3 4 5 21-7 29 6 10 2 0 4 14 24 . 8 2 8 5 2 11 0 . 4 7 2 0 0 2-3 2 0 0 1.000
13 Abi Stuart . 3 2 4 28-25 68 10 22 4 0 4 17 38 . 5 5 9 5 2 6 0 . 3 8 7 0 0 0-0 5 1 0 1.000
58 Kyah Keller . 2 9 1 24-18 55 5 16 1 0 2 11 23 . 4 1 8 4 1 6 0 . 3 4 4 1 0 0-0 135 1 0 1.000
27 Grace Mattimore . 2 6 9 28-28 67 9 18 3 0 1 10 24 . 3 5 8 9 3 5 3 . 3 7 5 1 2 1-1 141 8 2 . 9 8 7 16 Alia Logoleo . 2 4 6 30-22 61 10 15 5 0 4 17 32 . 5 2 5 4 1 11 1 . 2 9 9 1 2 3-4 27 27 3 . 9 4 7 23 JoJo Hyatt . 2 4 3 35-34 70 2 17 0 0 1 8 20 . 2 8 6 5 2 9 5 . 3 1 2 0 1 0-1 237 16 1 . 9 9 6 2 Casey Bigham . 2 3 3 34-30 60 7 14 1 0 0 6 15 . 2 5 0 7 1 4 1 . 3 2 4 0 0 2-2 23 56 7 . 9 1 9
24 Arielle Oda . 1 6 7 30-11 6 7 1 0 0 0 0 1 . 1 6 7 0 0 1 0 . 1 6 7 0 0 3-3 7 1 0 1.000
9 Sarah Howell . 1 4 3 18-0 7 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 . 1 4 3 0 0 1 0 . 1 4 3 0 0 4-5 1 0 0 1.000
19 Jaden Cheek . 1 1 1 30-1 9 11 1 0 0 0 0 1 . 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 . 1 1 1 0 0 1-2 0 0 0 . 0 0 0
77 Hannah Goodwin . 0 0 0 2-1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0
10 Emma Whitfield . 0 0 0 4-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0
5 Ansley Houston . 0 0 0 1-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0
34 Logan Caymol . 0 0 0 2-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 1 0 0 1.000
17 Regan Spencer . 0 0 0 10-5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 3 7 0 1.000
87 Millie Thompson . 0 0 0 11-10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0-0 1 12 0 1.000
6 Carlee Shannon . 0 0 0 28-0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 0 0 16-16 0 0 0 . 0 0 0 Totals . 3 0 6 36 942 204 288 44 10 44 191 484 . 5 1 4 90 31 122 11 . 3 8 2 7 8 73-82 720 288 27 . 9 7 4 Opponents . 1 9 3 36 876 57 169 25 2 12 52 234 . 2 6 7 53 19 239 3 . 2 5 3 3 9 24-29 669 272 41 . 9 5 8
LOB - Team (205), Opp (183). DPs turned - Team (13), Opp (17). TPs turned - Team (0), Opp (1).
(All games Sorted by Earned run avg)
Player era w-l app gs cg sho sv ip h r er bb so 2b 3b hr b/avg wp hp bk sfa sha
72 Valerie Cagle 0 . 8 9 20-3 27 21 18 8/0 4 141.1 91 25 18 28 166 12 2 2 . 1 7 6 8 5 0 0 1
17 Regan Spencer 1 . 7 2 5-0 10 5 2 1/1 0 36.2 23 9 9 5 17 4 0 3 . 1 8 1 1 6 0 1 3
87 Millie Thompson 1 . 8 3 6-1 11 10 3 0/1 1 53.2 48 17 14 12 44 9 0 4 . 2 4 1 5 8 0 2 5
---
10 Emma Whitfield 3 . 9 4 1-0 4 0 0 0/0 0 5.1 5 3 3 3 8 0 0 2 . 2 3 8 0 0 0 0 0
34 Logan Caymol 7 . 0 0 0-0 2 0 0 0/0 0 3.0 2 3 3 5 4 0 0 1 . 1 8 2 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 1 . 3 7 32-4 36 36 23 10/1 5 240.0 169 57 47 53 239 25 2 12 . 1 9 3 14 19 0 3 9
Opponents 5 . 2 1 4-32 36 36 12 2/0 0 223.0 288 204 166 90 122 44 10 44 . 3 0 6 20 31 0 7 8
PB - Team (5), Hyatt,J 5, Opp (7). Pickoffs - Team (1), Hyatt,J 1.
