Lady Panthers Picked Second in 2026 CIAA Softball Preseason Predicted Order of Finish
CHARLOTTE, NC - Once again, the expectations will be high for the Claflin Lady Panthers softball team as the team was picked to finish second in the 2026 Central intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Softball Preseason Predicted Order of Finish. The high expectations are nothing new for the Lady Panthers as this is the third straight season with the second place prediction.
The Lady Panthers will return to action after a terrific 2025 season. The Lady Panthers finished the season in the championship round of the CIAA Softball Championship Tournament for the fifth straight time. The team finished the season with a 24-24 overall record and a 10-6 record in CIAA play. The team also won the CIAA Southern Division title as well.
The team will have a strong team returning to lead the way. Claflin senior second base
Aniyah Jackson will lead the way for the Lady Panthers with a .336 batting average, including seven triples, six doubles, and a home run. She also added 48 runs scored with 29 runs batted in (RBI). Also returning will be junior outfielder
Lauryn Foster, who finished with a .322 batting average, including two doubles and six triples. She also recorded 42 runs scored with 29 runs batted in (RBI).
The Lady Panthers will kick off the 2026 season, Monday, when they host the Voorhees Tigers. 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.
