Tag: Millie Thompson

Cagle, Thompson taking on leadership roles for Clemson softball

This past Saturday at the Dear Old Clemson Event held at the Madren Conference Center, the Clemson softball team was allowed to sign memorabilia and speak with fans about their excitement for the upcoming season. After getting swept by Oklahoma …

This past Saturday at the Dear Old Clemson Event held at the Madren Conference Center, the Clemson softball team was allowed to sign memorabilia and speak with fans about their excitement for the upcoming season. 

After getting swept by Oklahoma State in the NCAA softball super regional back in May, the Tigers are excited to have many players, especially starters, returning this spring. Even though the team only suffered a few losses from its roster this offseason, one of those players was infielder and team leader, Cammy Pereira.

“I think it definitely helps that we did not lose too much, but we did lose leadership in the middle with Cammy, so I think for us the fall is going to be a little bit of figuring out [how] the transfers and freshmen kind of fit in, and the new leadership makeup,” junior Valarie Cagle said on Saturday. “We have a lot of starters coming back so we have a lot of experience, so I think that we are just really going to be able to build on that.”

With the team making it to its first-ever super regional in program history, the Tigers have high expectations and goals going into this season. Cagle is particularly excited to see the Tigers keep making more strides toward the Women’s College World Series.

“Every year for us it had been about getting to the next step and kind of growing from that,” Cagle said. “So, I think we’ve got a really good group this year. I am just excited to go on the journey of trying to get to the next step of the World Series”  

Both Cagle and left-handed pitcher Millie Thompson have a similar approach to setting personal goals that may be too far advanced for the season.

“I mean I never really set goals for myself, I usually just want to help the team in any way I can and find my role that year,” Thompson said Saturday. “I want the team to succeed in any way, and it’s my responsibility here to help that happen, so that’s what I look forward to doing.”

Cagle agrees, saying that if she sets big-picture goals it makes it harder for her to focus on the little things throughout the season.

“I have kind of learned that enjoying the little things is just so much more fun and getting invested in this game today,” she said, “and not getting too far ahead is best for me.”

Clemson is scheduled for its first preseason exhibition match later in September.

Dear Old Clemson has loaded up our online store with some great collectibles from our event for the Clemson softball team.  

Now there is a new way you can support Clemson student-athletes. Purchase collectibles from Dear Old Clemson and the proceeds with go to support Clemson student-athletes. Visit Dear Old Clemson to find out all the different ways you can help!

‘This place is only going up from here’

Amid the somber reality of their historic season prematurely reaching its conclusion, Clemson softball coach John Rittman and his players spent a lot of time pondering aloud where they’ve been and where they hope to be going sooner rather than …

Amid the somber reality of their historic season prematurely reaching its conclusion, Clemson softball coach John Rittman and his players spent a lot of time pondering aloud where they’ve been and where they hope to be going sooner rather than later.

The Tigers’ bid for their first-ever Women’s College World Series appearance fell short in Oklahoma late last week. Oklahoma State became the first team to clinch its spot in this year’s WCWS by sweeping Clemson in the Stillwater Super Regional, stopping the music on Clemson’s postseason party, one highlighted by the program’s first regional championship and a super regional debut.

“It’s never easy when you win your last game, but this season has been so special,” Rittman told reporters following the Tigers’ final loss late Friday night.

Rittman couldn’t help but think back to what his program has accomplished in such a short period of time. Clemson has only played two full seasons of softball after its inaugural 2020 campaign was canceled in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Yet the Tigers already have 105 wins, an ACC regular-season title and a pair of conference tournament title game appearances.

As for the NCAA Tournament, the Tigers have just two goals they have yet to reach outside of hosting their own super regional: Getting to the WCWS and winning it. Senior infielder Cammy Pereira looked to the team that kept Clemson from potentially accomplishing that this year as a reference for the kind of staying power the Tigers could have as they grow older as a program.

Oklahoma State, which has been playing softball since the 1970s, has made all four of its WCWS appearances since 2011. The Cowgirls are making their third consecutive trip this year.

“That’s really a testament to a team like Oklahoma State,” Pereira said. “You see their wall covered with all the accolades since back in the ‘90s. We’ve been around for two and a half years, so that will be something that I’m looking forward to seeing in the future is our wall covered like that as well because this place is only going up from here.”

Clemson has a young nucleus that should keep the Tigers among the ACC’s elite should it return intact next season, most notably two-way star and all-conference first-teamer Valerie Cagle. All of the Tigers’ other all-ACC performers this season – pitcher Millie Thompson, shortstop Alia Logoleo, outfielder McKenzie Clark and catcher Aby Vieira – were also sophomores or freshmen.

Clark made a point to thank the upperclassmen who helped show the younger players the ropes, including five outgoing seniors who all transferred into the program during its infancy. Rittman said his first group of seniors will be missed.

“They kind of set the standard for this program for years to come,” Rittman said. “They’ve left a legacy.”

With the help of their guidance, Clark said the program is in solid position to get where it ultimately wants to be this time of year.

“(The seniors) have given us opportunities. They’ve given us wisdom,” Clark said. “They’ve given us all the tools that we need for the next few years to come.”

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Clemson drops Game 1 of the Stillwatwer Super Regional

Clemson softball lost Game 1 of the Stillwater Super Regional Thurdsy, falling to Oklahoma State and Kelly Maxwell, 2-0. Offense was hard to come by for the Tigers against the Big 12 Co-Pitcher of the Year. Maxwell two-hit Clemson Thursday night, …

Clemson softball lost Game 1 of the Stillwater Super Regional Thurdsy, falling to Oklahoma State and Kelly Maxwell, 2-0.

Offense was hard to come by for the Tigers against the Big 12 Co-Pitcher of the Year. Maxwell two-hit Clemson Thursday night, while striking out 13 in the process.

Clemson attempted a late-inning rally after a Marissa Guimbarda one-out single. Aby Viera spoiled many drop pitches, but Maxwell struck her out on an 0-2 rise ball. She then finished off Alia Logoleo, as she struck out the side in the top of the seventh and recorded her 13th and final strikeout of the game.

Millie Thomspon, who had only allowed one hit in the NCAA tournament coming into Thuesday’s matchup was, unfortunately, outdueled by Maxwell. Thompson allowed two runs on seevn hits, while striking out and walking two apiece.

Clemson didn’t record its first hit until the top of the fourth inning when Valrie Cagle roped a leadoff single into right field. After Marissa Guimbarda struck out, Carlee Shannon, who pinch ran for Cagle, was called for interference.

Aby Viera grounded out to Karli Petty, who stepped on second base and spiked the relay throw to first. Not only did Shannon leave early, but she also interfered with Petty’s ability to turn the double play.

Speaking with the ESPN2 broadcast, Clemson coach John Rittman explained that the ruling was by the book, although he was noticeably displeased when the umpire did provide an explanation.

Howard answered with a five-pitch inning.

The wheels started to fall off for Thompson an inning later, as the Cowgirls made some necassray adjustments at the plate.

Oklahoma State senior catcher, Taylor Tuck, led off the inning with a double. After a sacrifice bunt and a one-out walk, senior outfielder Chyenne Factor delivered a two-run single to give her team a 2-0 lead.

Thompson was able to escape trouble after loading the bases, but the damage was done.

Oklahoma State is now 34-3 this season when it scores first.

Clemson will look to even the series against the Cowgirls tomorrow night at 9 p.m. with Cagle in the circle. Oklahoma State is one win away from making a short trip down the road to the College World Series.

More strong pitching helps Clemson reach ‘another stepping stone in our growth’

Clemson’s softball team has had one of the strongest pitching staffs in the ACC throughout the season, but the Tigers took it to another level during the Clemson Regional. Now they’re just two wins away from their first-ever Women’s College Series …

Clemson’s softball team has had one of the strongest pitching staffs in the ACC throughout the season, but the Tigers took it to another level during the Clemson Regional.

Now they’re just two wins away from their first-ever Women’s College Series appearance.

“Another stepping stone in our growth,” Clemson coach John Rittman said following the Tigers’ regional-clinching victory over Louisiana on Sunday.

Clemson (42-15) won different ways to accomplish the feat, combining to score 18 runs in its three regional games. But as has been the case for most of the season, the Tigers’ work in the circle was the constant.

This time, it was nearly flawless.

Clemson, which leads the ACC with a sub-1.8 earned run average, won those three games by an average of six runs because the Tigers didn’t allow one all weekend. It’s the first time all season Clemson has pitched three consecutive shutouts.

“You’re going to win when you give up zero runs,” said Rittman, who couldn’t help but chuckle at the obvious.

The Tigers started it with a run-rule victory against UNC Wilmington and ended it the same way against Louisiana. Sophomore left-hander Millie Thompson went the distance in both, hurling a no-hitter against Wilmington. Only a hit batter kept Thompson from notching a perfect game.

After the Tigers edged Auburn in Saturday’s winner’s bracket, Rittman had a choice to make Sunday: Stick with right-hander Valerie Cagle (16-8, 1.96 ERA) or go back to Thompson (14-3, 1.61), who was rested after watching Saturday’s win from the dugout. 

Rittman said he went with Thompson in part because she was the fresher of the two but also because of how aggressive Louisiana’s offense was. Rittman and Thompson both believed her changeup would work well against that, an intuition that proved to be right as Thompson yielded just one hit and struck out five in the Tigers’ 8-0 win.

“I felt like they were trying to hit home runs and see how far the ball could go, and that’s who I love to pitch against,” Thompson said. “I felt really comfortable (Sunday) with my changeup, going away and seeing if they would pull. And it worked out.”

Thompson was rested because of the work Cagle did Saturday in what was easily Clemson’s stiffest test of the weekend. Auburn countered with an ace of its own in All-SEC right-hander Maddie Penta, who silenced the Tigers’ bats to the tune of three hits and six strikeouts in six innings. Clemson was hitless until a two-out double in the fourth from Cagle, who scored on Marissa Guimbarda’s bloop single. 

But Cagle hurled a four-hit shutout to notch the victory, doing some of her best work late with Auburn threatening. She wiggled out of a one-out, bases-loaded jam in the sixth and finished with six punchouts.

“That’s a situation I’ve been in a lot,” Cagle said. “So it’s just kind of remembering I’ve gotten out of those situations before and just not really trying to make the moment bigger than it is.”

For the weekend, Clemson allowed five hits and issued just one walk while recording 15 strikeouts in 17 innings. Rittman said there’s plenty of credit to go around for what continues to be an elite season in the circle for the Tigers, who will start super regional play at Oklahoma State on Thursday.

“I think (assistant) coach (Kyle) Jamieson deserves a lot of credit. He calls a great game and works his but off with our pitchers,” Rittman said. “I’m so proud of our pitching staff. We’ve seen so much growth over the last two years with our pitching staff. Sometimes they make it look real easy, but it’s a lot of work.”

The champs talk about the historic regional win

Clemson, S.C. – Head coach John Rittman, Valerie Cagle, Millie Thompson and Cammy Periera couldn’t have been happier talking about the 8-0 win over Louisiana to win the regional Sunday. Watch the postgame press conference on TCITV:

Clemson, S.C. — Head coach John Rittman, Valerie Cagle, Millie Thompson and Cammy Periera couldn’t have been happier talking about the 8-0 win over Louisiana to win the regional Sunday.

Watch the postgame press conference on TCITV:

Twitter reacts: Clemson shuts out Louisiana, advances to super regionals

Clemson softball is headed to super regionals for the first time in program history, and here’s how Twitter reacted to the news.

Clemson softball is headed to super regionals for the first time in program history following an 8-0 shutout against Louisiana at McWhorter Stadium on Sunday

After getting out to an early 1-0 lead, Clemson’s bats came alive in the fourth inning. Highlighted by Valerie Cagle’s three-RBI homer, the Tigers scored seven runs in the fourth off six hits and two home runs, ultimately making a Louisiana comeback insurmountable and ending the game in five.

Batting first in the order, Clemson second baseman Cammy Pereira finished the game 3-for-3 at the plate. Meanwhile, Millie Thompson delivered another impressive performance in the circle, throwing a five-inning shutout with five strikeouts while allowing just one hit.

“There’s just so much to be proud of,” said head coach John Rittman. “To win a regional championship in our third year of existence is just mind-blowing. It’s just a credit to our administration, President Clements, our athletic director Graham Neff, everybody who’s been involved in our program.”

In Clemson’s three games in regionals, the Tigers didn’t allow a single run, outscoring their opponents 18-0.

With the victory, Clemson will either travel to No. 7 seed Oklahoma State or host North Texas in super regionals.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Clemson softball making history.

Thompson ‘Millie Rockin’ her way into Clemson record books

In a history-filled weekend with McWhorter Stadium playing host to the programs first-ever NCAA regional, pitcher Millie Thompson added her own name to the Clemson record books on Friday. In her 17 th start and 14th win of the 2022 season versus UNC …

In a history-filled weekend with McWhorter Stadium playing host to the programs first-ever NCAA regional, pitcher Millie Thompson added her own name to the Clemson record books on Friday. In her 17th start and 14th win of the 2022 season versus UNC Wilmington, the lefthander recorded the first post-season no-hitter in Clemson softball program history en route to a 9-0 shutout victory over the Seahawks, a memory her team won’t soon forget.

“Millie, just an outstanding job in the circle,” third-year head coach John Rittman said. “I mean, anytime you throw a no-hitter, it’s special, but to do it in post-season… I think we’ll all remember that for the rest of our lives.”

The emotions were high for the sophomore, who knew she was contending for the no-hitter, but Thompson kept her composure up until the final pitch. For Thompson, the support she has from both her teammates and coaches is what makes this team and moment so special.

“I was trying not to think about it at the beginning, but it was just a total team thing, like they said, the defense was great,” the sophomore said. “I think I’m going to remember that the most is just how special the support I have from this team and the coaches and from the players… I think that’s what I’ll remember the most.”

While the Virginia-native was also in line for a perfect game, she gave up two hit batters in the second and third innings. Despite this, Thompson took it as a learning experience and is focused on preparing herself for the next opponent rather than perfecting her stat line.

“Yeah, I think I was working on things as well, I was working on going in,” Thompson said. “I know I have to throw in and out against Auburn and Louisiana, so I just wanted to work on that and unfortunately, I hit a few people, but it’ll prepare me for the next day.”

Thompson is known for her wicked changeup and Friday was no different. Facing just sixteen batters in her five innings of work, the sophomore delivered just 49 pitches in the shutout win and historic no-hitter.

“I don’t honestly know how I throw it; I just throw it,” Thompson said about her changeup. “Today, I had one that was a strike and one that was biting low and it kind of changes, which is tough sometimes, but I just know that I’m comfortable with it. I’m gonna throw it in any count and any situation.”

That level of confidence and energy is what Rittman knows Thompson brings both inside and outside the circle to this team. As long as she settles in and makes adjustments as needed, Rittman is confident Thompson will continue to excel for the Tigers moving forward.

“It’s pretty filthy when it’s on and certainly today when she’s throwing it at two different locations, it’s extremely tough and you saw the Wilmington hitters were pretty baffled with it today,” Rittman said regarding Millie’s changeup. “I think the biggest key with Millie is she just can’t overthrow, and we have a couple of sayings with her, queues that keep her kind of focused and one of them is ‘less is more’. She gets out there and tries to throw 90 sometimes, adrenalines flowing, and if she can just settle in and get into the game. […] “You just holler at her a couple of times, she picks it up, and makes adjustments really quick and that’s why she’s so effective and such a good pitcher.”

Clemson continues play this weekend in their home NCAA regional with games on Saturday and Sunday at McWhorter Stadium.

Clemson mercy rules Wilmington in NCAA Regional opener

Tigers dominate in 9-0 victory over Seahawks

Clemson softball showed up in a big way Friday as head coach John Rittman and the Tigers mercy-ruled the UNC Wilmington Seahawks 9-0 in an NCAA Regional at McWhorter Stadium.

Lefthanded pitcher Millie Thompson pitched five excellent innings throwing a no-hitter and a complete game in her fourteenth win of the season for the Tigers.

While Thompson got it done pitching, the Tigers’ (40-15) bats did what they needed too early to get the team going. The team scored six runs on five hits in the first, led by an Alia Logoleo two-run home run.

McKenzie Clark put together a strong performance as well, going 3-for-3 with two RBI doubles. After a heartbreaking loss in last week’s ACC championship game, this game was the response Rittman, and the Tigers were looking for.

Clemson advances to the winner’s bracket of the NCAA Regional and will next play on Saturday, May 21st. They will take on the winner of Louisiana (45-11) vs. Auburn (39-15) in Friday’s second game of the double-elimination event. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at McWhorter Stadium in Clemson.

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NCAA Softball Tournament: Stream and broadcast info for Friday’s ACC matchups

Here’s how you can keep up with all of the ACC action in the 2022 NCAA Softball Tournament.

For the first time since 2015, six ACC teams were selected to compete in the NCAA Tournament, with four of the six among the top 16 seeds.

One of those four teams is Clemson, which reached its second consecutive ACC Championship game last week, ultimately losing to Florida State. Despite the loss for the Tigers, Clemson will still be an NCAA Tournament host this weekend as the No. 10 seed.

The other three teams in the top 16 are Florida State, Virginia Tech and Duke, which are No. 2, No. 3 and No. 12, respectively. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame will compete in the first round on the road.

During Clemson’s three-game stint in the ACC Championship, shortstop Alia Logoleo led the way on offense, finishing with three home runs in the tournament while batting 6-10 in the process. Logoleo and the Tigers will look to compete for the program’s first National Championship as the NCAA Tournament begins Friday.

Here’s how you can stay updated with all of the ACC action in the first round.

Twitter reacts: Clemson softball advances to ACC Championship

Clemson softball is headed to the ACC Championship game and Twitter is excited for the Tigers.

Clemson softball is headed to the ACC Championship game for the second consecutive season after the Tigers took down No. 1 seeded Virginia Tech, 4-1, on Friday.

Clemson shortstop Alia Logoleo led the way offensively in the three-run victory, delivering two solo home runs, the second of which was a bomb to center field. She finished the game batting 2-3 and led the Tigers in hits.

Meanwhile, Clemson pitcher Valerie Cagle had success in the circle, holding the Hokies to four hits in her seven innings pitched and securing the win.

With the victory, Clemson will now play the winner of Florida State and Duke. Clemson was swept by the Seminoles in the regular season and dropped two of its three games against the Blue Devils.

Friday’s victory, however, marks the Tigers’ second ACC Championship game appearance which comes in the first two full seasons in program history.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Clemson’s Tournament victory.