COVINGTON, GA - The Claflin Lady Panthers (3-1) had a solid hitting day, but the runs did not come across the plate in a 7-4 loss to the Southern Jaguars (2-4), Friday afternoon. Competing in the 2026 HBCU Collegiate Invitational, the Lady Panthers totaled seven hits in the game, but the team could only get four runs across the plate in the loss.
 
 As a team, the Lady Panthers had a solid day at the plate. The team finished the game with seven hits. Senior short stop Cydney Cooper led the way, going two-for-four at the plate with a double, a run scored, and a run batted in (RBI). Junior designated hitter Morgan Tate added a double as well. Junior outfield Lauryn Foster added a one-for-four performance with a run scored and an RBI.
 
Claflin junior pitcher Katelynn Grissom (1-1) got the pitching loss. She finished the game with a strikeout.
 
With the loss, the Lady Panthers fall to 3-1 to start the season. The team will return to action, tomorrow when they take on the South Carolina State Bulldogs in a 12:15 p.m. game.
 
For more information on Lady Panthers softball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.