HENRICO, VA - The Claflin Lady Panthers (18-22) gave a terrific effort, but the team fell short in a 5-4 loss to the Bowie State Bulldogs (19-21), Friday afternoon. The Lady Panthers fell into an early deficit and made a tremendous effort to close the gap, but the team was not able to come away with the win against the Bulldogs.
 
The Lady Panthers struck first, but fell into a 3-1 deficit after the third inning. The Lady Panthers were able to tie the game, 3-3, in the fourth inning after an RBI double from freshman Morgan Tate. After allowing another Bowie State run in the bottom of the fourth inning to fall behind 3-4, the Lady Panthers tied the game once again when senior pitcher Jaelyn Jackson scored on a Bowie State fielding error. Unfortunately, the Lady Panthers allowed another fifth inning run to the Bulldogs to take the 5-4 loss.
 
As a team, the Lady Panthers played a solid overall game. The team totaled six hits with one fielding error. Sophomore catcher Zecariya Fenwick led the way with a two-for-four batting performance that included a double and a run scored. Tate added a pair of runs batted in (RBI) on a one-for-three batting effort.
 
Claflin freshman Katelynn Grissom (3-6) took the pitching loss. She started the game and threw four innings. She finished with four runs allowed (four earned) and three strikeouts. Junior Breyanna Collins came in for two innings and she finished the game with one run allowed (none earned) on one hit.
 
With the loss, the Lady Panthers fall to 18-22. The team will head to the loser's bracket and will take on the winner of the Winston-Salem State/Virginia State quarterfinal round game.
 
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.