ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin University Lady Panthers (13-8, 11-0 CIAA) put on a terrific performance to claim an 8-0 win over the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (4-10, 3-6 CIAA). The Lady Panthers had a great defensive effort that matched some strong offense to claim the win.
 
As a team, the Lady Panthers combined a great offensive showing with their strong defense to claim the win. As a team, the Lady Panthers totaled 11 hits in the game. Claflin junior short stop Jaelyn Jackson led the way for the team with a three-for-four batting effort that included a double and a run scored. Junior outfielder Brenay Howard added a two-for-four batting effort of her own with a run scored.
 
The Lady Panthers got their scoring efforts going early in the game and closed it on a high note. The team opened the game with three first inning runs after an RBI single from junior first base Alexandria Beavers that scored Howard. Beavers was able to score as well after a JCSU fielding error. The effort was followed by an RBI single from freshman shortstop Kennedy Baskerville that scored senior catcher Marion Goins. The Lady Panthers added another second inning run when Goins drew a bases-loaded walk to score senior Camryn Hollis. In the third inning, the Lady Panthers got an RBI double from senior Jada Garrick that scored fellow senior Kyra Shuler. The effort left the Lady Panthers on top, 6-0. Johnson C. Smith would turn up their defensive efforts, but the Lady Panthers were able to close out the game in the sixth inning when Jackson hit a double and she was able to score following an error in the JCSU outfield. Beavers was able to close out the game when she stole second base and she was able to score on an errant throw by JCSU.
 
Claflin senior pitcher Shaniya Thomas (7-3) claimed the pitching victory when she started the game and she went all five innings with no runs allowed on just two hits. She also recorded 10 strikeouts in the game.
 
With the win, the Lady Panthers improve to 13-8 overall and 11-0 in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play. The two teams would go on to finish out the doubleheader. For more information on Lady Panthers softball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.