Clemson Bats Struggle in Loss to Texas State
By: Will Vandervort February 12, 2026

Once again, Clemson softball fell behind early, and once again the 18th-ranked Tigers could not make their way back. Host Texas State upset Clemson, 4-0, Thursday in the States Up! Invitational in San Marcos, Texas.

Clemson, which fell to 4-3 on the young season, also struggled with Texas State pitcher Madison Azua. The junior dominated the Tigers, keeping them off balance all night. Though she gave up seven hits, she held Clemson at-bay, as she went the distance in the shutout, while striking out seven batters and walking two.

The Tigers had their opportunities, but they failed to pick up runners when they were in scoring position. Clemson left eight runners stranded overall and was 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

Trailing 1-0 in the top of the second inning, Clemson got back-to-back two-outs hits and had Sarah Breaux on second base. However, Macey Cintron grounded out to second base to end the inning.

The Tigers threatened again with back-to-back two-outs hits in the top of the third inning, but Julia Knowler struck looking, leaving Kiley Channell at second base with nowhere to go.

After failing behind 3-0, Cintron recorded her first hit of the season to lead off the fifth inning. Kylee Johnson, running for Cintron, moved to second on a fielder’s choice and later Channell drew a two-out walk, but Marian Collins struck out swinging to once again leave the Tigers scoreless.

With two outs in the bottom of the first inning, Texas State’s Aiyana Coleman drove Karmyn Bass home with the only run the Bobcats needed.

Katarina Zarate got a one-out single to centerfield in the third inning that brought two more runs home. She then added a solo home run to left with two outs in the fifth inning for a 4-0 advantage.

Texas State improved to 4-2 with the win. Clemson’s Sierra Maness suffered the loss in the circle. She pitched five innings, while allowing all four runs (all earned) on eight hits. She had 4 strikeouts and issued one walk.

UP NEXT

Clemson will play No. 9 Arkansas on Friday at 5:45 p.m., in Day 2 of the States Up! Invitational.