1S Claflin 9, 4S Winston-Salem State 3
2026 CIAA Softball Championship Tournament

Claflin responded to an early deficit with a pair of big innings to defeat Winston-Salem State, 9–3, as CIAA Softball Championship Tournament play continued.

Winston-Salem State jumped out to a fast start, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning to take an early 3–0 lead. The Rams collected timely hits and took advantage of defensive miscues to put immediate pressure on Claflin.

Claflin answered in the third inning, breaking through with four runs to seize the lead for good. The Panthers added a single run in the fourth to extend the margin before putting the game away with a four-run sixth inning, capitalizing on aggressive baserunning and timely hitting.

Sydra Pendleton earned the win in the circle for Claflin, working five innings while allowing three earned runs on five hits with three strikeouts. Katelynn Grissom closed out the game in relief, shutting down a late Winston-Salem State threat in the seventh.

Koralie Morin took the loss for Winston-Salem State, allowing seven earned runs over six innings of work. Despite the setback, Riley Demers, Layla Smith, and Makayla Vinson each scored a run for the Rams, who finished with seven hits but were undone by three errors and nine runners left on base.

For Claflin, Aniyah Jackson, Jeniah Williams, and Aryana Meadows powered the offense, each scoring twice as the Panthers totaled eight hits and stole three bases. Claflin committed just one error and turned in a strong defensive effort after the opening inning.

With the win, Claflin advanced in the CIAA Softball Championship Tournament as Winston-Salem State moved into an elimination situation, continuing a competitive weekend of postseason softball in Orangeburg.