Photos by Patrick Boling, Clemson Athletics
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – In an ACC Championship matchup that featured two of the league’s top pitchers, Duke came out victorious over the top-seeded Tigers in a well-fought 1-0 shutout. Clemson was led by ace and ACC Player-of-the-Year Valerie Cagle, who allowed just two hits and struck out 13 batters, one shy of tying her career high.
In Clemson’s first postseason opportunity, the Tigers mustered three hits and were unable to string any together in the same inning, which ultimately led to the shutout loss. Duke starter Shelby Walters (17-3) earned the win in her five innings, while Payton St. George entered the game in the sixth inning and retired all six batters she faced to earn the two-inning save and deliver the third-seeded Blue Devils their first ever ACC Championship in just their fourth season.