The defending ACC champions came up short in their title defense, as Clemson softball fell to North Carolina 4-2 in the first round of the ACC Tournament on Wednesday at Palmer Park in Charlottesville. For the first time in program history, the Tigers failed to advance past the opening round, ending their streak of reaching at least the semifinals.

Seventh-seeded Clemson (32-20) struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, finishing 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 runners stranded on base. The Tigers cut a 3-0 deficit to one run in the third inning when Taylor Pipkins launched a solo home run—her eighth of the season and seventh in the last 14 games—before Jamison Brockenbrough later scored on a UNC error.

But the 10th-seeded Tar Heels answered right back in the fourth inning, as Sanaa Thompson hit a solo homer to extend the lead to 4-2. Clemson starter Sierra Maness allowed three runs before exiting in the third, while reliever Abby Dunning kept the Tigers within striking distance by allowing just one earned run over 4 2/3 innings.

The Tigers had late-game chances, including a deep fly ball from Kiley Channell in the sixth inning that was caught at the warning track. But Clemson couldn't come up with the tying hit, and the defending champs were sent packing earlier than expected.

Now, the Tigers will wait for Sunday's NCAA Tournament selection show to learn their postseason destination. With a 32-20 record and a strong resume, Clemson is still expected to earn a bid—but this early exit in the ACC Tournament is a reminder that every game counts when you're chasing a championship.