McKenzie Clark reveals how Clemson responded to win second game Sunday vs. Auburn, advance to Super Regional

After losing to Auburn 5-2 early to start Sunday, Clemson entered a second matchup with its season on the line. Clemson bounced back quickly, scoring three runs over the first two innings in an eventual 5-1 victory to punch its ticket to a Super Regional.

Centerfielder McKenzie Clark scored one of those five runs and was also big on defense as Clemson held Auburn to four hits. Speaking on ESPN+ after the win, she explained how the team stayed focused following the loss in the first game to come out strong in the second.

“It took everyone’s maximum effort,” Clark said. “The first game, not everyone had their stuff going. It was tired, playing low. This game we came out and came out on top. We had a lot of energy thanks to the great crowd we had here at McWhorter and our amazing coaching staff who gives us guidance in everything we do. How could you not come out with energy in the second game?”

Clemson’s leadoff hitter, Clark began the game by reaching base via a hit by pitch. It was one of two times she was hit by a pitch. She finished the contest with one hit and was also walked once.

Valerie Cagle got the start and pitched all seven innings in the win. She finished with a pair of strikeouts, one of which came during the final inning to help close things out, as she improved her season record to 25-6.

Thanks to Cagle and the defense, Clemson never trailed on its way to victory.

“She’s so stoic,” Clark said of She’s the absolute opposite of me but I love it. Just seeing her calm, cool and collected no matter the situation, she’s just so impressive to watch. I could be out in the outfield in a beach chair just watching her do her thing, and I wouldn’t have a care in the world. She’s just an outstanding competitor and her being calm, cool and collected really fires me up.”

With the win, this marks the second straight season that Clemson has reached a Super Regional. Last year the Tigers lost to Oklahoma State, and this year they draw No. 1 overall seed Oklahoma in what will be a tough task.

The Sooners (54-1) have won back-to-back WCWS titles and appear on track to make it three in a row, having won 46 straight games, one shy of the NCAA record. Clark expressed excitement to go up against such a storied program as Clemson hopes to pull off the improbable upset and reach its first Women’s College World Series in program history.

“That’s an incredible opportunity,” she said. “If you would have told a five-year-old me that we’re going to play Oklahoma, not watch but to play, I would’ve thought you were crazy. It’s a dream come true and I can’t wait to go.”