Orangeburg Recreational Park | Orangeburg, S.C. -- The CIAA Southern Division Champions Claflin opened play at the CIAA Softball Championship Tournament with a commanding 10–2 victory over Northern Division fourth-seeded Lincoln (Pa.) in Thursday’s opening-round matchup at Orangeburg Recreational Park.

The Panthers set the tone early, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Laila Foster doubled to center field to begin the rally and later scored as Claflin capitalized on a wild pitch and a passed ball to seize immediate momentum.

Lincoln responded in the second inning when Amari Rose reached base and later crossed the plate to cut the deficit to 3–1. Claflin answered right back with two runs in the bottom half of the inning, extending its advantage to 5–1.

After a scoreless third, the Lions briefly threatened again in the fourth. Hannah Lawson doubled and later drove in Lincoln’s lone RBI of the game, trimming the margin to 5–2. The Panthers quickly regained control.

Claflin broke the game open in the fifth inning with a four-run surge. Jordan Tolen delivered the decisive blow, ripping a bases-clearing triple to push the lead to 9–2. The Panthers added one more run in the sixth to close out the scoring.

Claflin’s offense was led by Alexis Jackson, who homered and drove in two runs, and Alyssa Meadows, who launched a three-run home run. The Panthers finished with eight hits and nine RBIs.

In the circle, Katelynn Grissom earned the complete-game win, allowing four hits and two runs (one earned) while striking out eight over six innings. Chloe Foster took the loss for Lincoln.

For the Lions, Rose went 2-for-2 with two runs scored and a stolen base, while Lawson accounted for Lincoln’s only extra-base hit and RBI.

With the win, Claflin advanced in the winners bracket and will face No. 2 North Bluefield State, which defeated Shaw 14–5 earlier in the day. Lincoln (Pa.) dropped into the elimination bracket and will next face No. 3 South Shaw as the CIAA Softball Championship continues in Orangeburg.