CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 24, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announces its Week Six Softball Honors for games played March 15 through March 21. 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 - Katelynn Grissom, Claflin
Junior pitcher Katelynn Grissom delivered a composed and efficient performance in the circle for Claflin, tossing a complete seven inning game during the week. Grissom faced 30 batters while allowing just five hits and two earned runs, maintaining control throughout the outing.
She recorded 50 total strikes and did not issue a walk, showcasing exceptional command and poise. Grissom’s ability to limit baserunners and deliver key pitches in critical moments helped anchor the Panthers defense and secure a strong performance in the circle.
Offensive Player of the Week - Paige Whittington, Bluefield State
Senior outfielder Paige Whittington delivered a dynamic performance at the plate in a midweek doubleheader, leading Bluefield State’s offense with four hits, four runs scored, four RBI, and two walks.
Whittington was equally impactful on the basepaths, recording six stolen bases across the doubleheader, including a season high five steals in game two. Her ability to create pressure offensively and generate scoring opportunities played a key role in the Big Blue’s performance during the week.
Defensive Player of the Week - Janessah Nappi, Bluefield State
Sophomore Janessah Nappi provided a strong defensive presence for Bluefield State during a midweek doubleheader, recording 12 putouts and one assist across the two games. Her consistency and reliability helped anchor the Big Blue defense.
Nappi also contributed offensively, collecting three hits along with one RBI and drawing a bases loaded walk to bring in another run, adding to her all-around impact during the week.
Rookie of the Week- Elisia Gonzalez Pettis, Virginia Union
Redshirt freshman pitcher Elisia Gonzalez Pettis delivered a dominant all-around performance to lead Virginia Union to a doubleheader sweep of Elizabeth City State, helping the Panthers remain unbeaten in conference play. Gonzalez Pettis earned wins in both games, including a complete game shutout in the opener where she allowed just two hits and struck out four batters in a 9 to 0 victory.
She returned in game two to secure her second win of the day in relief, showcasing her versatility and composure in high pressure moments as Virginia Union completed the sweep.
Gonzalez Pettis also contributed at the plate, delivering a key double that drove in the runs to end game one via the mercy rule. Her impact on both sides of the game played a pivotal role in the Panthers’ strong 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.