HENRICO, VA (May 6, 2023) – The Claflin Lady Panthers (30-10) advanced in the winner’s bracket of the 2023 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Softball Championship Tournament, Friday. The game was one of many dramatic and thrilling games to highlight the tournament. With the team tied, 1-1, in the 10th inning, Claflin freshman designated player Kourtney White hit a walk-off RBI single to score sophomore centerfielder Aniya Jones to lead the Lady Panthers to the win.
While the drama of the extra-innings play stole the show, there was a lot of great play throughout the game that could not be overlooked. As a team, the Lady Panthers totaled nine hits in the game. Claflin senior pitcher Jaelyn Jackson had a great day when she went two-for-three. Senior right fielder Brenay Howard hit a solo home run while senior first base Alexandria Beavers added a double while sophomore Aniya Jones had a 10th-inning triple.
The Lady Panthers opened the game and closed the game with some terrific scoring. Howard got things started when she led off the game with a solo home run. The Lady Panthers held the one-run lead until the seventh-inning when the team allowed Winston-Salem State to tie the game, 1-1 and forced extra innings until the 10th inning dramatic ending.
Jackson (19-5) threw all 10 innings for the Lady Panthers and she finished the game with one run allowed (one earned) along with seven strikeouts.
With the win, the Lady Panthers advanced in the winner’s bracket and will take on the top-seeded Bowie State Bulldogs later in the day. 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.