DURHAM, N.C. – The No. 14 Duke softball team is gearing up to face Clemson in their last regular-season series at Smith Family Stadium this Friday. Saturday will be a special day as the team honors seven graduating athletes: Jada Baker, Cassidy Curd, D’Auna Jennings, Tyrina Jones, KK Mathis, Aleyah Terrell, and Aminah Vega.
Recently, Duke boosted its record to 36-12 after an impressive 8-0 win over Charlotte. This marked their eighth run-rule victory of the season. Sophomore Layla Lamar kicked things off with a three-run home run, and the pitching trio of Mallory, Larissa Jacquez, and Ava Bradshaw shut out Charlotte with just three hits.
Clemson enters the series with a record of 31-17 and a 12-9 mark in the ACC. Their offense is thriving, led by underclassmen Marian Collins and Mac Pavese, who boast batting averages of .352 and .344, respectively. Pavese has racked up 53 hits this season, while Collins follows close behind with 51. In the circle, Sierra Maness stands out, holding a 2.90 ERA and accumulating 105 strikeouts over 157 innings.
How to Follow:
The games will be streamed on ACC Network Extra, ESPN2, and the ACC Network. Fans can catch live stats for all three matches.
The Schedule:
- Friday, April 24 – 6 p.m. Watch Here | Live Stats
- Saturday, April 25 – 12 p.m. Watch Here | Live Stats
- Sunday, April 26 – 5 p.m. Watch Here | Live Stats
Inside the Series:
Duke leads the overall series against Clemson 13-4 and has won 10 of their last 12 matchups. Last season, they faced off in Clemson, where Duke rebounded after losing the first game, winning the next two to secure the series. In their previous encounter in Durham during the 2024 season, Duke swept Clemson and even clinched a thrilling 4-3 extra-innings win in the ACC Semifinals.
As the Blue Devils look ahead, they are preparing for the 2026 ACC Softball Championships from May 6-9 in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Stay connected with Duke softball on social media for live updates and highlights by searching “DukeSOFTBALL”.
Expert Insight:
Sports analysts note that preparation and team chemistry are keys to success during championship seasons. As Duke finishes the regular season, ensuring teamwork and maintaining momentum will be crucial as they head into the postseason.
In today’s competitive world of college athletics, a focus not only on skill but also on mental fortitude sets winning programs apart. As Duke aims for another ACC title, keeping spirits high and letting players shine will be essential.
