ETTRICK, VA - The Claflin Panthers (8-36) ended the 2026 season on a high note with a dominating 24-0 win over the Virginia State Trojans (13-26) in the championship game of the inaugural Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Baseball Series Championship Tournament. The Panthers combined a terrific offensive effort with some stellar defense to claim the victory.
As a team, the Panthers set a new season high with 24 runs scored in the game. The effort included 12 hits eight different Panthers on their way to the win. The Panthers also benefitted from 12 walks in the game as well. Claflin junior third base
Anthony Hardy did the most damage, going two-for-four with a run scored and four runs batted in (RBI). Sophomore
Devyn Campbell added a two-for-three effort with three runs scored and three RBI.
While the Panthers were dominant at the plate, the team was powered by a dominant pitching performance. Freshman
Wylan Sheffield (2-11) took the start and the pitching win. He threw all seven innings of the game and he finishe with three strikeouts and the shutout victory.
At the end of the tournament, four Claflin players were named to the CIAA Baseball Series Championship All-Tournament Team. Senior outfielder
Christian Hill, senior outfielder
Nehemiah Drew, Junior catcher
Devon Whitehead, and freshman infielder L.J. Johnson were all selected to the all-tournament team. In addition to the all-tournament honor, Drew was also named the tournament MVP.
With the win, the Panthers wrap up the 2026 baseball season. For more information on Panthers baseball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.
