ORANGEBURG, SC (September 25, 2023) – The Claflin Lady Panthers (5-2, 1-1 CIAA) opened Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division play with a bang when the team took a dramatic five-set win over the Livingstone Blue Bears (1-6, 0-2 CIAA), Monday evening. After a dominating 25-17 opening set win, the Lady Panthers took a 19-25 loss in the second set before bouncing back with a 25-21 third set win before allowing Livingstone to take a 14-25 fourth set. In the end, the Lady Panthers overcame an early deficit in the final set to rally and claim the 15-13 final set victory.
The Lady Panthers utilized a balanced offense with some quality defense to claim the win. Claflin senior opposite side hitter Kyndall Perry and freshman outside hitter Caytlyn Sanford both totaled nine kills each in the win. The Claflin defense truly stood out as the team totaled 16 blocks in the match. Junior middle hitter Jaide Holliday totaled five blocks (none solo) in the match. Sanford added four blocks (none solo) of her own.
The Lady Panthers will return to action this weekend when the team heads to Ettrick, Virginia to take part in the first CIAA Volleyball Round Up. The team will open the weekend against the host Virginia State Trojans on Saturday before taking on the Lincoln (Pa.) Lady Lions and the defending CIAA champion Elizabeth City State Lady Vikings on Sunday.
For more information on Lady Panthers volleyball, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics.claflin.edu.