Russ Eddins
The Ole Miss Softball team split its games at the Clemson Classic Feb. 23-25 between the University of Connecticut, Clemson University and Miami University. They dropped both games against No. 9 Clemson, but they took the other two games against unranked opponents. The Rebels now sit at 11-3.
Game one: University of Connecticut
The Rebels got off to a slow start in the tournament, but pitching kept them in the game. In a low-scoring contest, Ole Miss managed to outmaneuver Connecticut, which led to a 2-1 victory over the Huskies.
Connecticut got on the board first in the top of the fourth thanks to an RBI double. Ole Miss then tied it up on a single from catcher Jamie Mackay. Ole Miss eventually took the lead off of pitcher Aynslie Furbush’s single that scored Mackay from second.
Furbush got the start on the mound pitching four innings, allowing one earned run on one hit and striking out seven batters. Catelyn Riley pitched two innings, recorded two Ks and earned the save to round out a relatively successful night of pitching for Ole Miss.
In the end, it was the combination of great pitching and timely offense that allowed the Rebels to surpass the Huskies.
Game two: No. 9 Clemson University
After pulling out the game one win against Connecticut, Ole Miss was quickly shot down by Clemson 9-1. The run rule went into effect toward the end, so this game only went six innings: The lone Rebel run came off a throwing error when utility player Jalia Lassiter stole home.
Makenna Kliethermes started the game for the Rebels. She pitched three innings, allowed four hits and gave up two walks and three runs, two earned. Valerie Cagle pitched six innings for the Tigers, gave up one unearned run and struck out eight Rebels.
Clemson handled this game as a top-25 team should, dominating the diamond.
Game three: Miami University
The Rebel bats finally woke up in this game, and Ole Miss out-slugged Miami and won 10-8. Ole Miss had 17 hits to Miami’s eight, and Miami had eight errors to the Rebels’ one.
Going into the fourth inning, the Rebels were down seven to one, one of the largest deficits in this young season. Then they scored one in the fourth and six in the seventh to take a one run lead.
Lassiter and infielder Angelina DeLeon both hit doubles to bolster the Rebel attack, while infielder Delaney Rummell, utility player Brady Lexie and infielder Paige Smith all hit home runs to headline the offense in the comeback win.
Game four: No. 9 Clemson University
Ole Miss had the opportunity to get revenge on the Tigers but were once again shut down with Clemson winning 5-0. Losing two games to one team by a combined score of 14-1 is a blow to morale, but Ole Miss still has a lot to look forward to with its 11-3 record.
In this one, two errors cost the Rebels big time in the Tigers’ four-run fifth inning. Both teams had three hits, but Clemson only had one error.
Despite allowing only one earned run, Furbush took the loss in the game as pitcher. Brianna Lopez came on in relief and allowed three unearned runs and recorded only one out.
For the second time in the series, the Rebels had no answer for the Tigers’ pitcher, Cagle. She came on in relief and pitched 4.2 innings. She allowed no hits or runs, walked two batters and had five strikeouts.
What is next?
The Ole Miss Softball team will finally return to Oxford and play games in their own stadium. With the Ole Miss Classic now on the horizon, the Rebels must focus on their upcoming games against Southeast Louisiana University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Kent State University in a five-game weekend slate. Games will run from Friday, March 1, until Sunday, March 3.
