ETTRICK, VA - The Claflin Lady Panthers (9-8, 6-4 CIAA) got off to a strong start, but the team could not quite sustain the effort in a four-set loss to the Virginia State Trojans (10-7, 8-1 CIAA), Sunday morning. The Lady Panthers did a great effort with a 25-17 win in the opening set, but the team could not quite keep things going, falling in the final three sets, 15-25, 23-25, and 19-25.
 
The loss came despite a great overall effort by the Lady Panthers. As a team, the Lady Panthers had some struggles against the VSU defense with just 31 kills in the match. Junior outside hitter Mya Broom led the way for the Lady Panthers with nine kills and three digs in the match. Sophomore Danielle Branch added six kills of her own. Defensively, the Lady Panthers put on their trademark strong effort with six total blocks (four solo) in the match. It was Branch who led the defensive effort with four solo blocks of her own. Junior Simone Newell led the Lady Panthers defense with 27 digs.  
 
With the loss, the Lady Panthers fall to 9-8 overall and 6-4 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play. The team will return to action Thursday when the team hosts the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls. For more information on Lady Panthers volleyball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.