CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 10, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announces its Week Four Softball Honors for games played March 1 through March 7. The weekly awards recognize top performances in the circle, at the plate, in the field, and from a standout rookie across the conference.
Pitcher of the Week - Sydra Pendleton, Claflin
Junior pitcher Sydra Pendleton delivered a strong week in the circle for Claflin, pitching 13.1 innings and earning victories against Coker University and Anderson University. Pendleton faced 62 batters while allowing just five runs, demonstrating control and composure throughout her outings. Her ability to deliver key pitches in critical moments helped the Panthers maintain strong defensive play behind her and secure important wins during the week.
Offensive Player of the Week - Treja Patterson, Fayetteville State
Senior utility player Treja Patterson delivered one of the strongest offensive performances in the conference during the week, batting .416 across four games while driving in eight RBI and scoring two runs. Patterson recorded hits in every contest she started and highlighted her week with a breakout performance in Fayetteville State’s March 3 win over Coker, going 4 for 4 with four RBI and a home run.
She finished the week with seven hits in 12 at bats, including a double and a homer, while consistently reaching base with three walks and adding three stolen bases to help power the Broncos offense.
Defensive Player of the Week - Cheyenne Payne, Fayetteville State
Sophomore outfielder Cheyenne Payne anchored the Broncos defensively with a strong and steady presence in the field throughout the week. Payne recorded 14 total chances and finished with 13 putouts without committing an error across four of her five appearances, helping stabilize Fayetteville State’s defense.
In addition to her defensive performance, Payne also contributed offensively, batting .319 with eight hits, six runs scored, and two RBI. Her week included a home run in the Broncos’ March 3 win over Coker and another against Chestnut Hill on March 5, further highlighting her all around impact.
Rookie of the Week - Aryana Meadows, Claflin
Freshman infielder Aryana Meadows played a key role for Claflin during a competitive week that saw the Lady Panthers go 2 and 2 against Coker University and Anderson University, splitting both doubleheaders. Meadows handled all 28 innings behind the plate, recording one caught stealing while allowing just two passed balls, providing steady leadership for the pitching staff.
Offensively, Meadows went 5 for 12 at the plate with one RBI, two triples, and a stolen base. Her contributions on both sides of the game helped keep the Lady Panthers competitive throughout the week.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.