The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss
1-0
Clemson
0-1
Softball Earns Day One Split at Paradise Classic Behind Freshmen
2/6/2025 | Softball
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The freshman class of the Ole Miss softball program turned in a debut to remember, as the Rebels earned a day one split at the Paradise Classic, hosted by FAU.
The Rebels (1-1, 0-0 SEC) opened the day with a thrilling, 3-2 win over No. 25 Clemson (1-1, 0-0 ACC). In the second game of the day, the Rebels dropped a narrow, 5-4 loss in eight innings to FAU (1-0, 0-0 AAC).
GAME ONE | Ole Miss 3, No. 25 Clemson 2
In her Rebel debut, Aliyah Binford took the circle and responded to early adversity against the Tigers. The leadoff batter reached and stole second base to put early pressure on Binford, but she generated three quick outs to quiet the early noise.
However, the Tigers struck first in the second inning, as freshman Macey Cintron drove a two-run home run to left field in her first collegiate at-bat. Needing a response, the Rebels got singles from Binford and Jamie Mackay, but could not get the runs home.
The Rebels finally broke through in the fourth inning as Mackenzie Pickens reached on an error and Angelina DeLeon drew a hit-by-pitch. Head coach Jamie Trachsel turned to her bench with two runners on, bringing freshman Persy Llamas to the plate. The Eastvale, Calif., native made her first collegiate at-bat count, blasting a three-run home run to take the lead, 3-2.
Freshman Miali Guachino took over in the circle and shined in her collegiate debut, keeping the Tigers offense in check. The Pala, Calif., native earned a three-pitch strikeout against her first batter and went on cruise control from there, striking out five over 3.2 hitless innings to secure her first win.
GAME TWO | Ole Miss 4, FAU 5 (F/8)
Game two proved to get off to an uneven start for both sides, as the Rebels began the opening frame with a single, hit by pitch and walk, but could not score. The Owls started their half of the inning with three straight walks, but managed to drive home two runs on a groundout and fielder’s choice.
From there, starting pitcher Brianna Lopez settled into the game, as she allowed just two hits over her final five innings. While Lopez gained control, the Rebels would claw their way back into the game.
The Rebels loaded the bases in the second inning but could not drive home a run. However, the fourth inning saw the Rebels break through. Mackay laced a double to left center field to set up Angelina DeLeon. The senior launched her first home run of the season to immediately tie the game at 2-2. While Jaden Pone added a double immediately after, the Owls escaped the inning from there.
After a scoreless inning of relief from Guachino, the Rebels struck back in the top of the eighth inning. Grace Thompson recorded her first collegiate hit to set up runners on first and third. The freshman Pickens stepped up to the plate and dropped in her first college RBI to give Ole Miss a 3-2 lead. Llamas continued her big day immediately after with an RBI single to extend the lead to 4-2 and give Ole Miss a chance.
Despite the quick start to extra innings, the Rebels could not hold on, as the Owls chipped away at the lead, before a walk-off RBI single from Bella Foran sealed the comeback win for the hosts.
The Rebels are back in action tomorrow morning, as they face Wisconsin at 8 a.m., CT, followed by Missouri State at 10:15 a.m. CT. Both games will be streamed via FloCollege.
Get rewarded for attending events by joining Rebel Rewards powered by Coca-Cola, the official fan loyalty program of the Ole Miss Rebels. Download the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, sign up for a Rebel Rewards account, and start earning points immediately that can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences.
For all Ole Miss softball news and information, go to OleMissSports.com and follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissSoftball, on Facebook at Ole Miss Softball and on Instagram at @olemisssoftball. Also, follow head coach Jamie Trachsel on Twitter at @Jamie_Trachsel.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: Guachino, Miali (1-0)
L: Reese Basinger (0-1)
Batting:
HR: Macey Cintron 1
RBI: Macey Cintron 2
SH: Aby Vieira 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Marian Collins 1 ; Macey Cintron 1
SB: Alex Brown 1
CS: Taylor Pipkins 1
Batting:
HR: Llamas, Persy 1
RBI: Llamas, Persy 3
Base Running:
RUNS: Pickens, Mackenzie 1 ; DeLeon, Angelina 1 ; Llamas, Persy 1
HBP: DeLeon, Angelina 1
