ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (21-22) opened the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Softball Championship Tournament with an impressive 7-1 win over the Elizabeth City State Vikings (6-25), Thursday afternoon. The Lady Panthers utilized a terrific defensive effort to claim the win.
 
The Lady Panthers took the win behind some great play both in the field and at the plate. At the plate, the Lady Panthers totaled nine hits while holding ECSU to just one hit in the game. Claflin junior Lauryn Foster led the way with a two-for-four batting effort that included a triple. She finished the game with two runs scored and a run batted in (RBI). Junior Morgan Tate also went two for three at the plate.
 
Claflin sophomore pitcher Katelynn Grissom (9-7) got the start and took the pitching win. She threw all seven innings and she finished the game with one hit and one run allowed (none earned). She also allowed just two walks.
 
With the win, the Lady Panthers advance in the winner's bracket of the tournament. The team will face the winner of the Virginia State/Fayetteville State game at 4:00 p.m.
 
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.