Claflin 12, Bluefield State 6
Orangeburg Recreation Park | Orangeburg, S.C. | Thursday, May 7
Top-seeded Claflin continued its run through the CIAA Softball Championship Tournament on Thursday afternoon, using a balanced offensive attack to pull away from Bluefield State for a 12–6 victory at Orangeburg Recreation Park.
The teams traded runs early, with Bluefield State striking first in the opening inning before Claflin answered immediately to even the score. Claflin took a 2–1 lead through two innings, but Bluefield State responded with a three-run third followed by a two-run fourth to briefly surge ahead, 6–4.
Claflin quickly regained control in the bottom of the fourth, erupting for three runs to reclaim the lead and seize momentum. The Panthers added three more runs in the fifth and two additional runs in the sixth to push the margin to 12–6, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Offensively, Claflin finished with 17 hits, applying constant pressure throughout the lineup. Aniyah Jackson led the attack with three runs scored, while Michaela Cromarty and Aryana Meadows each crossed the plate twice. The Panthers collected extra-base hits in key moments and took advantage of Bluefield State’s three defensive errors to extend innings.
Bluefield State finished with five hits and six runs, highlighted by early production at the top of the lineup. Paige Whittington, Julianna Costanzo, and Skyy Hicks each scored for the Big Blue, but the offense was held scoreless over the final three innings as Claflin pitching settled in.
In the circle, Sydra Pendleton earned the win for Claflin, allowing six runs while working through traffic and limiting damage over her outing. Taylor Fells took the loss for Bluefield State after surrendering eight earned runs over five innings.
With the win, Claflin advanced deeper into the winners bracket of the double-elimination tournament, remaining unbeaten in championship play. Bluefield State dropped into the elimination bracket, where it will face a must-win situation as the CIAA Softball Championship continues in Orangeburg.