LOUISVILLE, Ky. (theACC.com) – In a duel of pitchers, the Duke Blue Devils came out on top to win the 2021 Atlantic Coast Conference Softball Championship, the program’s first, defeating top-seeded Clemson 1-0 on Saturday afternoon at Ulmer Stadium.
 
Designated player Deja Devis got in base in the top of the sixth inning with a wild single, popping the ball up short of first base, striking the baseline and bouncing fair as she touched the bag. Davis then stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and two batters later Kamryn Jackson drove her in with a groundout to short for what would prove to be the winning run.
 
Shelby Walters got the start and the win for third-seeded and 21st-ranked Duke, pitching five scoreless innings while allowing three hits and striking out three. Walters improved to 17-3 on the year. Peyton St. George, the ACC Championship MVP, threw two frames in relief, earning the save after striking out three without allowing a hit.
 
Valerie Cagle had a strong outing in the circle for No. 13-ranked Clemson, pitching a complete game. The freshman struck out 13 batters, only allowing one run on two hits but was tagged with the loss and dropped to 26-5 on the season.
 
The Tigers had a runner on second in the bottom of the fourth inning. Designated player Marissa Guimbarda singled to left field, and Arielle Oda came on as a pinch runner. After a lineout, second baseman Cammy Pereira reached base on a fielder’s choice, and Oda advanced to second on a throwing error, but an infield flyout and groundout stranded them on base.
 
The NCAA Selection Show is set for 9 p.m. tomorrow night on ESPN2.

2021 ACC Softball Championship All-Tournament Team
Cammy Pereira, Clemson
Valerie Cagle, Clemson
Kristina Foreman, Duke
Peyton St. George, Duke (MVP)
Gisele Tapia, Duke
Shelby Walters, Duke
Sydney Sherrill, Florida State
Blake Neleman, Georgia Tech
Celene Funke, Louisville
Taty Forbes, NC State
Keely Rochard, Virginia Tech