There are a lot of new names on the Clemson Softball roster this year and, unfortunately for the 25th-ranked Tigers, they got off to a difficult start Thursday morning in the Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Fla.

Despite getting a two-run home run from freshman Macey Cintron, the Tigers fell to Ole Miss, 3-2, in the first game of the tournament. Clemson will quickly turn around and play Kansas at two o’clock this afternoon.

The freshman’s home run was one of just five hits for the Tigers, who got no hits after the fourth inning.

Cintron produced Clemson’s first runs of the new season in the top of the second inning. With one out, the designated hitter homered to leftfield for a two-run shot, which also plated Marian Collins.

Clemson’s shortstop opened the second inning by drawing a walk and moved to second base after catcher Aby Vieira grounded out to the pitcher. Cintron then stepped to the plate and blasted her home run to left, giving the Tigers a 2-0 lead at the time.

In the bottom of the fourth, a fielding error by third baseman Alex Brown and a hit-by-pitch came back to haunt the Tigers. Rebels’ Pinch hitter Persy Llamas made them pay with a three-run shot to right field with two outs.

Llamas’ home run came off Clemson starter Reese Basinger and gave Ole Miss a 3-2 lead.

The home run was the only mistake by Basinger, who transferred to Clemson from Winthrop in the off-season. In her Clemson debut, the senior did not allow an earned run and gave up six hits, while striking out three and walking none.

Brown led Clemson at the plate with two hits and stole a base.

–photo courtesy of Clemson Athletic Communications