CLEARWATER, Fla. – The thirteenth ranked Clemson Tigers dropped the weekend finale, 5-2, at the NFCA Leadoff Classic to Michigan State on Sunday morning. With the loss, Clemson fell to 3-2, while the Spartans improved to 4-1.
Freshman Mac Pavese led the Tigers with three hits and scored one of the Tigers’ two runs on the day. Senior Jamison Brockenbrough continued her strong start with a hit and RBI, while Kiley Channell and Taylor Pipkins contributed the remaining RBI and run scored, respectively.
Similar to the first four games of the season, Clemson’s opponent took the early advantage in the first inning, scoring three after two Tiger errors kept the inning alive. The Tigers answered as Brockenbrough drew a bases-loaded walk in the top of the second with two outs before the Spartans retired the final batter.
Clemson closed the gap down to a single run in the fourth as Channell hit a bases loaded sac fly, but Michigan State scored twice in the fifth to extend its lead. The Tigers got runners on in both the sixth and seventh innings, but left them stranded to close out the game and weekend.
Freshman Lexie Hames pitched two innings with two strikeouts and suffered her first loss of the year. Graduate Abby Dunning struck out two in four innings of work in her fourth appearance of 2026.
Up Next
Clemson returns to McWhorter Stadium for the 2026 home opener on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The Tigers will host Furman at 6 p.m. on ACCNX. Tickets are available at the gate and for $5 online by clicking here.
