ORANGEBURG, SC - The Claflin Lady Panthers (28-12) lived up to their billing when the team opened the 2026 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Softball Championship Tournament with a 10-2 six-inning win over the Lincoln (Pa.) Lady Lions (13-27). After entering the tournament as the top team in the CIAA Southern Division, the Lady Panthers put on a great offensive effort to claim the win.
The Lady Panthers combined some timely hitting with some great base running to claim the win. They needed just eight hits to score the 10 runs in the game. Claflin senior second base
Aniyah Jackson led the way when the went two-for-three at the plate with two runs scored, two runs batted in (RBI), a double and a home run. Freshman third base
Aryana Meadows added a home run of her own in the win.
Claflin junior pitcher
Katelynn Grissom (16-5) got the pitching win with just four hits allowed and three strikeouts in the game.
With the win, the Lady Panthers advance in the winners bracket of the tournament and will compete later in the evening.
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.
