Clemson season comes to end with super regionals loss to OSU

An incredible season for Clemson came to a disappointing end Friday night against Oklahoma State in the super regionals.

The Tigers fell behind 4-0 through two innings and were unable to recover as the Cowboys held off Clemson 5-1 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Oklahoma State swept the best-of-three series two games to zero and now advances to the Women’s College World Series. Clemson’s season ends with a 42-17 record.

“Hats off to Oklahoma State,” Tigers coach John Rittman said. “Great team, tough pitching staff, great crowd, great environment. … They have a team I think that can win it all.”

Oklahoma State got on the board in the first inning thanks in part to some miscues by the Tigers.

Chelsea Alexander reached to open the game after a passed ball on a strikeout. She scored later in the inning on a groundout after reaching third following a stolen base and wild pitch.

The Cowboys broke the game open the following inning after three consecutive errors led to three runs scoring.

“The first couple of innings, uncharacteristically we sped up the game,” Rittman said.

Clemson’s only run of the game came in the third inning on a solo home run by McKenzie Clark.

The Tigers had other opportunities later in the game to come through with a big hit and cut into the lead but were unable to.

“Very proud of our effort tonight,” Rittman said. “It’s never easy when you don’t win your last game. This season has been so special. Just love our senior class and everything they’ve done for this program.”

Two-way star Valerie Cagle suffered the loss for Clemson, allowing five runs but only one earned.

Clark, Cagle, Marissa Guimbarda, Alia Logoleo and Sam Russ recorded hits for the Tigers.

“Very proud of our team and what a wonderful year,” Rittman said. “We’re going to learn a lot from this experience. … Take a little time off and get back at it.”