CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 7, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announces its Week Eight Softball Honors for games played March 29 through April 4. 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 - Elisia Gonzalez Pettis, Virginia Union University
Redshirt freshman Elisia Gonzalez Pettis delivered a dominant and efficient performance in the circle for Virginia Union, helping lead the Panthers to a doubleheader sweep of Mid Atlantic Christian. In game one, Gonzalez Pettis earned the win with five innings of scoreless relief, allowing just three hits while striking out five batters and issuing no walks.
She combined strong command with composure, limiting opportunities and keeping the opposition off the scoreboard throughout her outing. In addition to her work in the circle, Gonzalez Pettis contributed offensively across both games, recording two hits, driving in two runs, and scoring once.
Her ability to impact the game on both sides played a key role in Virginia Union’s success during the week.
Offensive Player of the Week - Paige Whittington, Bluefield State University
Senior outfielder Paige Whittington delivered an explosive week at the plate for Bluefield State, leading the offense across four games. Whittington totaled 10 hits, including three doubles, while scoring 10 runs and driving in five RBI.
She was also a major threat on the basepaths, recording six stolen bases and consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses. Whittington’s ability to get on base, generate runs, and create scoring opportunities played a pivotal role in Bluefield State’s offensive success during the week.
Defensive Player of the Week - Kyla Jones, Bluefield State University
Sophomore first baseman Kyla Jones provided a strong defensive presence for Bluefield State across two games, handling 20 total chances at first base. Jones recorded 18 putouts, showcasing her consistency and reliability in the field.
Her ability to anchor the infield and secure routine and high-pressure plays helped stabilize the defense and contributed to Bluefield State’s overall performance during the week.
Rookie of the Week - Janiya Brown, Virginia Union University
Freshman outfielder Janiya Brown delivered a breakout performance to lead Virginia Union in a doubleheader sweep of Mid Atlantic Christian. In the opening 19 to 0 victory, Brown went 3 for 3 at the plate with three runs scored and three RBI, highlighted by two home runs and a double, while also reaching base after being hit by a pitch.
She followed in game two by continuing to contribute offensively, drawing a walk, scoring a run, and reaching base on an error in an 8 to 0 win.
Overall, Brown finished the doubleheader with three hits, three RBI, and four runs scored, playing a key role in the Panthers’ offensive success during the sweep.
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.