Auburn’s season is over after a 5-1 loss against Clemson in the NCAA Regional.

Clemson right fielder Caroline Jacobsen scored a run in the first inning on a wild pitch by Auburn starting pitcher Maddie Penta giving Clemson a 1-0 lead.

It’s hard to imagine Penta wasn’t somewhat exhausted, considering she threw 138 pitches in Auburn’s 5-2 Sunday win against Clemson that forced the deciding game a little over 45 minutes after Penta went seven innings and allowed two runs.

Penta’s outing would be significantly shorter in the second game on Sunday than the first. Penta exited the season-ending loss after pitching 1 2/3 innings. Clemson third base Reedy Davenport lined an RBI single with two outs putting Clemson ahead 3-0 in the second inning.

Control issues bit Penta as the second inning went on. Penta threw 47 pitches before exiting the game after giving up a base hit to Ally Miklesh. Relief pitcher Shelby Lowe spelled Penta and issued a bases-loaded walk to Valerie Cagle for Clemson’s fourth run.

Lowe got out of the inning without giving up any more runs when Caroline Jacobsen grounded out to third base on a 1-1 count. Auburn scored its lone run in the third inning when Makayla Packer reached home on a fielder’s choice.

Cagle pitched a complete game and allowed four hits for Clemson in the win. Clemson scored two more runs in the fourth inning. Jacobsen drove in a run, and Maddie Moore knocked home the second run, giving Clemson a 5-1 lead.

Auburn had opportunities with base runners but couldn’t capitalize. This is the second year in a row Auburn’s playoff run ended with a loss to Clemson in regional action. Clemson will move on to play No.1 Oklahoma next week in the super regional. Auburn returns to the Plains after a season that saw them finish third in the SEC and a game away from advancing to the super-regional round.

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group