Clemson softball got off to a tough start in the Paradise Classic, falling in the season opener to Ole Miss (Ole Miss X photo).

Brandon Rink - Assoc. Editor / Staff Writer - Thursday, February 06 2025

No. 25 Clemson softball got off to a tough start Thursday in the Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Florida, falling 3-2 to Ole Miss.

Both teams’ first runs of the 2025 season came via the home run.

Freshman Tigers designated hitter Macey Cintron got things started in the second inning with a two-run homer to left field in her first career at-bat.

Winthrop transfer and Clemson right-handed pitcher Reese Basinger scattered four hits over three innings scoreless to start, but Ole Miss took the lead after a fielding error at third base and a hit batter — Rebels pinch-hitter Persey Llamas sending out a three-run shot in the fourth inning.

Ole Miss reliever Miali Guachino (1-0) did the rest, pitching 3 2/3 hitless innings with five strikeouts and two walks allowed.

Basinger threw a complete game with six hits scattered and all three runs unearned, with three strikeouts and no walks.

Clemson swept a two-game set in a home invitational with Ole Miss last season, the programs' first meeting.

Clemson gets right back to action on Thursday at 2 p.m. versus Kansas (ClemsonTigers.com radio broadcast/FloCollege web broadcast for subscription fee).

PERSY WITH THE THREE RUN BOMB 💣@persyllamas | #HottyToddy

🎥 - https://t.co/OATWT2Tnqm pic.twitter.com/xnjCK5LF06
— Ole Miss Softball (@OleMissSoftball) February 6, 2025

𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕧𝕤. 𝕆𝕝𝕖 𝕄𝕚𝕤𝕤

Brown - 3B
Brockenbrough - CF
Knowler - 1B
Johnson - LF
Collins - SS
Vieira - C
Cintron - DP
Minish - RF
Pipkins - 2B
Basinger - P

📺 https://t.co/f0xUi9C4v5 ($)
📻 https://t.co/dlnePZXmlT
📊 https://t.co/5ZxO9r0Yx1 pic.twitter.com/0u8ydorXWl
— Clemson Softball 🥎 (@clemsonsoftball) February 6, 2025