FAYETTEVILLE, NC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (1-9, 1-2 CIAA) opened the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Volleyball Round Up with a three-set loss to the Virginia State Trojans (4-7, 3-0 CIAA), Friday morning. The Lady Panthers struggled early in the opening set, bounced back for a solid second set, but then struggled once again in the 11-25, 20-25, and 8-25 loss. 

The Lady Panthers looked good at moments during the match. As a team, the Lady Panthers finished the match with 23 kills. Claflin freshman Grayson Graham led the way with six kills in the match. Fellow freshmen Zaniya Harris and Aryanna Connell both added five kills each in the loss. Claflin senior setter Siri Davis totaled 12 assists with two service aces. Freshman Abigail Watts added a pair of service aces as well. 

With the loss, the Lady Panthers fall to 1-9 overall and 1-2 in CIAA play. The team will go on to take on the Bluefield State Big Blue in a 4:00 p.m. match later in the day. For more information on Lady Panthers volleyball,, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.