MONTGOMERY, AL - The Claflin Lady Panthers (5-4) rallied late, but the team fell just short in a 9-3 loss to the Tuskegee Golden Tigers (6-4) at the HBCU Softball Classic hosted by Alabama A&M University. The Lady Panthers scored in each of the final three innings of rh game, but the effort was not quite enough in the hard-fought loss.
 
The loss came despite a solid hitting performance by the Lady Panthers. As a team, Claflin totaled seven hits in the game, including a pair of extra base hits. Claflin senior second base Aniyah Jackson led the way with a two-for-three batting performance with a double and a run scored. Junior Morgan Tate added a two-for-three hitting effort with two runs batted in (RBI). Junior pinch hitter Michaela Cromarty added a solo home run as well.
 
Claflin junior Katelynn Grissom (3-3) got the start and took the pitching loss. She threw five innings and she finished the game with a strikeout. Freshman Shania Haymer came in for an inning of relief.
 
With the loss, the Lady Panthers fall to 5-4 on the season. The team will close out the HBCU Softball Classic with games against South Carolina State and Jackson State.
 
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.