Salem, Va. – The Claflin University softball team open its first-ever Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament with a lopsided 9-1 win over Virginia Union University. The tournament, which will run through Wednesday, May 1, is being contested at the James I. Moyer Sports Complex in Salem, VA.
Claflin, who entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the Southern Division, will face the No. 2 seed in the Northern Division, Virginia State University, who defeated Johnson C. Smith University in its opening game.
The Lady Panthers scored in four-of-the five innings of the run rule shortened game. Claflin scored two runs in the first, four in second, one in the third and two in the fifth for its nine runs. Virginia Union put up one run in the fourth.
Freshman Chaston Huntly, who was named to the All-Rookie Team, recorded two hits on the day while senior All-CIAA First Team selection, LaKaylin Lee, senior Kaela Robinson and Freshman Kadasia Damon all crossed the plate twice in the contest. Freshman Chaston Huntly recorded two hits on the day. Lee, Damon and Jada Ames all recorded two RBIs in the win.
Bre'Zhay Chambers all only two hits with one run and three strikeouts in picking up her 15th win of the season.
Virginia Union's lone hit came in the top of the third as Audrenik Howard hit a single to short stop. Erica Tiscareno who went 4.2 innings, giving up all nine runs with nine hits in being credited with the lost.
The winner of Claflin/Virginia State game will remain in the winner's bracket and move to the semi-final set for 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 30
