RALEIGH, NC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (13-11, 4-1 CIAA) got their fourth conference win when the team took an 8-2 win over the Virginia State Trojans (3-11, 2-3 CIAA), Saturday morning at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Softball Round Up. The Lady Panthers combined a terrific offensive effort with some stellar defense to claim the win.
 
The Lady Panthers jumped out to a strong early start and never looked back. After allowing an  opening inning run to the Trojans, the Lady Panthers broke out for six second-inning runs and cruised to the win. After taking a 6-2 lead into the seventh-inning, Meadows capped the win with a two-run seventh-inning home run.
 
The Lady Panthers took the win behind a great offensive effort. As a team, the Lady Panthers recorded 15 hits in the game, including three extra base hits. Claflin junior second base Michaela Cromarty went three for four with two runs batted in (RBI). Freshman Aryana Meadows added a two-for-three batting effort with a home run, two runs scored, and two RBI.
 
Claflin junior Katelynn Grissom (5-5) got the start and she threw the entire game. She finished the game with two runs allowed (one earned). She also added six strikeouts.
 
With the win, the Lady Panthers improve to 13-11 overall and 4-1 in CIAA play. The team will close out the 2026 CIAA Softball Round Up when they take on the Elizabeth City State Vikings.
 
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.