Winston-Salem State 12, Virginia Union 4
Orangeburg Recreation Park | Orangeburg, S.C.

Winston-Salem State continued its impressive run through the CIAA Softball Championship Tournament on Thursday, rolling past Virginia Union 12–4 in winners-bracket action behind a potent offense and a strong start in the circle.

The Rams set the tone early, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning before adding another in the second to build a 3–0 advantage. Winston-Salem State broke the game open in the third, erupting for five runs on timely hitting and capitalizing on defensive miscues to extend the lead to 8–1.

Virginia Union attempted to claw back into the game, plating a run in the second inning and adding three more across the third and fourth frames to cut the margin to 8–4. That would be as close as the Panthers would get.

The Rams answered immediately, tacking on a run in the fifth and putting the game away with a three-run sixth inning to close out the scoring at 12–4. Winston-Salem State finished the contest with 17 hits, applying constant pressure throughout the lineup while playing error-free defense.

Offensively, Layla Smith, Riley Demers, and Asyah Smith each scored twice to lead the Rams’ attack. Winston-Salem State totaled 12 RBIs, stole three bases, and left little opportunity for Virginia Union to regain momentum.

In the circle, Jyla Thomas earned the win after working 5.1 innings, allowing just three hits and four runs while striking out six. She navigated traffic effectively, limiting Virginia Union’s damage despite issuing walks. Virginia Union starter Elisia Gonzalez took the loss.

Virginia Union was limited to four hits for the game, with Jailyn Myrick, Janiya Brown, and Madison Hayes accounting for the Panthers’ scoring efforts. Despite drawing 10 walks, Virginia Union was unable to generate timely hits against the Rams’ pitching staff.

With the victory, Winston-Salem State advanced further in the winners bracket of the double-elimination tournament, continuing its momentum in Orangeburg. Virginia Union dropped into the elimination bracket, facing a must-win scenario as the CIAA Softball Championship continued.