Behind the pitching and hitting of two-way superstar Valerie Cagle, Clemson softball run-ruled South Carolina 10-0 in five innings to take the first game of the Palmetto Series. While Cagle stole the show, perhaps the biggest play of the game came in the top of the third inning.
With Clemson leading 2-0, Alia Logoleo made the play of the game. The redshirt junior shortstop made a diving catch to rob South Carolina’s Jordan Fabian of a base hit. Logoleo, who also drove in four runs during Tuesday’s win over the Gamecocks, flashed the leather and went horizontal to catch a line drive that was practically behind her.
T3 | We are pretty sure you will see this later 😉@NCAASoftball x @SportsCenter x #SCTop10
📺 ACCNX (https://t.co/mEWWxbclzv) pic.twitter.com/J2W6Fu91wv
— Clemson Softball 🥎 (@clemsonsoftball) March 28, 2023
An inning later, Logolelo launched a deep three-run home run, her sixth of the season, to extend Clemson’s lead to seven runs. Not only can she do it with her glove, but the Nashville native can do it with her bat as well. In addition to her top-notch defensive play, she also had an epic bat flip.
B4 | Logoleo bat flips are so back 💣
📺 ACCNX (https://t.co/mEWWxbclzv) pic.twitter.com/0rzCoiaPHJ
— Clemson Softball 🥎 (@clemsonsoftball) March 28, 2023
Logolelo’s catch, which went viral on social media, had Clemson fans and those in the softball world buzzing.
“I LOVE THIS TEAM,” said a Clemson fan on Twitter.
I LOVE THIS TEAM https://t.co/FfXehMkmAl
— Emma Gaston (@emmagaston0603) March 29, 2023
“ALIA LOGOLEO DOES IT,” said another Clemson fan in reference to the catch.
ALIA LOGOLEO DOES IT 👏🏼👏🏼
— s🥎 (@s0ftballlover98) March 28, 2023
Logoleo’s catch got some surprising attention on Twitter, from the official ACC Network account to The Athletic’s MLB account and even Big League Chew.
Alia Logoleo LAID OUT for this catch 😱 @clemsonsoftball | #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/vuzv5mS8Ii
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) March 28, 2023
Mmmhmm, yes… that’s a #BLCPlayoftheWeek! https://t.co/WzCyfptkGI
— Big League Chew (@bigleaguechew) March 28, 2023
WEB GEM ALERT 🚨
Clemson’s Alia Logoleo with the diving snag 🥎
🎥 @accnetwork | @clemsonsoftball pic.twitter.com/KKYuUI7IsK
— The Athletic MLB (@TheAthleticMLB) March 28, 2023
All in all, those in the softball world were super excited at the prospect of another great defensive play.
Since these plays no longer make me nervous I celebrate them extra 🤗🤗 @alialogoleo #iykyk https://t.co/SNrnqFZ212
— Katie Rovtar (@mommaK_ATC) March 28, 2023
One more, but worth looking at an awesome play by @alialogoleo last night vs. the Gamecocks. 🥎 https://t.co/K0SBDvhLn6
— Fred Cunningham (@fredontv) March 29, 2023
The official Clemson Athletics account couldn’t get enough of the play, either.
It’s 9:41 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29 and we still aren’t over how incredible this catch was by @ClemsonSoftball 🤯🥎
pic.twitter.com/sXTsHVz5Ec— Clemson Athletics (@ClemsonTigers) March 29, 2023
