Clemson Tigers Win First ACC Softball Championship

Kylee Johnson’s Homer Seals Victory

Brighton, Mass. — Kylee Johnson hit a two-run home run in the top of the seventh inning. This led the Clemson Tigers to a 2-1 victory over the Florida State Seminoles. The game was the championship of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament on Saturday.

Historic Win for Clemson

Johnson’s homer gave the second-seeded Tigers (44-12) their first victory in eight meetings with the top-seeded Seminoles (46-9). Clemson started playing softball in 2020. They have made five straight trips to the NCAA Tournament under head coach John Rittman.

Game Highlights

• Florida State took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning. Hallie Wacaser hit a solo home run off Clemson starter Brooke McCubbin (15-5).
• The score remained 1-0 heading into the seventh inning.
• Seminoles starter Ashtyn Danley allowed two hits and three walks in three shutout innings.
• Julia Apsel followed with three hitless innings. She was replaced by Jazzy Francik (10-3) after issuing a leadoff walk to Marian Collins.
• Francik struck out Taylor Pipkens on three pitches. But Johnson homered to center field on a 2-2 pitch, putting the Tigers ahead.
• McCubbin allowed leadoff singles to pinch-hitter Annabelle Widra and Isa Torres. She then retired the next three batters to earn the victory.

Florida State’s Journey

Florida State was playing in its 27th ACC championship game. They held off Duke 3-2 in the semifinals. The Seminoles won their only national championship in 2018. They were runners-up in 2021 and 2023. They have advanced to the Women’s College World Series in 12 of 36 previous NCAA Tournament appearances.

Clemson’s Achievements

Clemson had never won the conference tournament. Their only regular-season title came in 2021. The Tigers are aiming for their first spot in the WCWS. They outscored their opponents 404-179 but didn’t play FSU during the regular season.

Previous Meetings

Florida State beat Clemson 8-6 in the 2022 ACC title game. The Blue Devils beat Clemson 1-0 in 2021 in their only other title game appearance.

More Information

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