ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (1-0) opened the 2026 season in style when the team took a dominating 10-0 win over the Voorhees Tigers, Monday afternoon. The Lady Panthers had some terrific play both at the plate and in the field to open the season on a victorious note.
 
Though the team was close through the first two innings, the Lady Panthers broke things open with seven third inning runs and added three more fourth inning runs to seal the win.
 
At the plate, the Lady Panthers controlled the entire game. The team scored 10 total runs on 13 hits, including five extra base hits. Claflin junior Jordan Tolen led the way, going two-for-two at the plate with a run scored and two runs batted in (RBI). Fellow junior Morgan Tate went two-for-three with a run scored and two RBI as well.  
 
Defensively, the Lady Panthers turned in a dynamic effort as well. The team held their opponents scoreless. Claflin junior pitcher Katelynn Grissom (1-0) had a terrific pitching effort. She started the game and held Voorhees to just two hits in the game. She finished the game with five strikeouts and no runs allowed.
 
With the win, the Lady Panthers open the 2026 season with a 1-0 overall record. The two teams would go on to complete the doubleheader later in the day.
 
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.