Clemson pounds Louisiana, advances to super regionals

CLEMSON — The Clemson softball program just continues to make history.

The Tigers are headed to their first super regional in school history after pounding Louisiana 8-0 Sunday afternoon at McWhorter Stadium.

No. 1 seed Clemson finished the Clemson Regional a perfect 3-0.

The Tigers, who are the No. 10 overall seed in the NCAA tournament, will either travel to face No. 7 seed Oklahoma State or host North Texas in the super regionals.

“Wow, what an emotional day. Couldn’t be more proud of our team with the way they competed all weekend long,” Clemson coach John Rittman said. “Obviously, for such a young program, to be regional champs is very special. It’s just another stepping stone in our growth.”

Clemson got another outstanding outing from Millie Thompson, who pitched a complete-game shutout against the Ragin’ Cajuns to earn the win.

Thompson opened the Clemson Regional with a no-hitter against UNCW on Friday, before allowing only one hit on Sunday in the regional clincher.

She had five strikeouts and walked one in the five-inning complete game. The game was shortened due to the run rule.

“Our pitching staff was outstanding all weekend long,” Rittman said. “We gave up zero runs in three games. And you’re going to win when you give up zero runs. Millie, another phenomenal performance. She’s just so gutsy out there and not afraid of any moment.”

Thompson received plenty of help from her offense — most notably first-team All-ACC performer Valerie Cagle.

The two-way star was 2-for-4 at the plate with four RBIs, including a three-run homer in the fourth inning to break the game open.

Cammy Pereira was 3-for-3 at the plate with two runs scored and two RBIs.

Clemson got on the board in the first inning on an RBI single by Cagle. Aby Vieira then homered in the fourth inning to push Clemson’s lead to 2-0.

The Tigers scored seven runs total in the fourth as Maddie Moore had an RBI double, Pereira drove in two runs on a single and Cagle hit the three-run homer.

“We kept the pressure on them,” Rittman said. “Just really enjoyed today. A special moment in our program’s history, and now we’re looking forward to a super regional.”