MONTGOMERY, AL - The Claflin Lady Panthers (5-2) took a 12-6 loss to the NCAA Division I Alabama A&M Bulldogs (7-4) at the 2026 HBCU Softball Classic. After getting out to a slow start, the Lady Panthers rallied last, but the team could not quite pull off the comeback in the hard-fought loss.
 
The Lady Panthers began the game with some early struggles, falling into a 2-7 deficit in the first inning. The Claflin deficit grew to eight runs, 10-2 after the third inning. The Lady Panthers would rally with four runs in the final three innings of the game, but the effort was not enough in the loss.
 
The loss came despite some solid efforts by the Lady Panthers. As a team, the Lady Panthers totaled six hits in the game, including one extra-base hit. Claflin senior second base Aniyah Jackson led the way, going two-for-four with a run scored and three runs batted in (RBI).  Junior outfield, Lauryn Foster added a solo home run as well.
 
Claflin freshman Shantia Heymar (3-2) took the pitching loss. She started the game and she threw four innings. She finished the game with seven runs allowed (seven earned). Junior pitcher Katelynn Grissom came in for two innings. She recorded a strikeout with five runs allowed (four earned).
 
With the loss, the Lady Panthers fall to 5-2 overall. The team will return to action later in the day when they take on the Lincoln (Pa.) Lady Lions. 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.