ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (24-23) used some timely hitting and great defense to take a 5-2 win over the Bowie State Bulldogs (26-18) in the first game of the championship round of the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Softball Championship Tournament. With the effort, the Lady Panthers force a game two for a chance to claim the conference championship. 

The Lady Panthers took the win behind some terrific play both on defense and on offense. As a team, the Lady Panthers scored five runs on nine hits to take the win while holding Bowie State to just two runs. Claflin sophomore outfielder Lauryn Foster led the way, going three-for-four at the plate with two RBI triples. She finished the game with two runs scored and two RBI. Sophomore designated player Michaela Cromarty added a pair of hits that included an RBI double as well. 

The Lady Panthers took control of the game early with Foster's third inning RBI triple that was followed by a sixth-inning RBI double from Cromarty. After allowing Bowie State to pull to within a run, 3-2, the Lady Panthers added a pair of seventh-inning runs on Foster's second RBI triple of the game and an RBI groundout from sophomore catcher Jeniah Williams.  

Claflin sophomore Katelynn Grissom (9-7) got the start and took the pitching win.  She threw all seven innings and finished the game with two runs allowed on five hits with two strikeouts.  

With the win, the Lady Panthers improve to 24-23 overall and force a second game in the championship round of the 2025 CIAA Softball Championship Tournament. The winner of the game will be crowned the 2025 CIAA Softball Champions.  

The game is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. start. 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.