ORANGEBURG, S.C. (May 9, 2026) – Top-seeded Claflin University captured the 2026 CIAA Softball Championship, edging Winston-Salem State University (12–21), 7–6, Saturday afternoon at the Orangeburg Recreational & Sports Complex. The victory marks the second CIAA championship in program history for the Panthers and earns Claflin the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament.
Claflin struck first in the opening inning and answered every Winston-Salem State surge, using a decisive four-run fourth inning and a late insurance score to secure the title.
Winston-Salem State briefly seized momentum in the third inning with back-to-back solo home runs from Jyla Thomas and Aaliyah Rodriguez, tying the game and energizing the championship crowd. Claflin responded immediately, regaining the lead later in the frame on an RBI double from Aryana Meadows.
The Panthers broke the game open in the fourth, capitalizing on defensive miscues before Championship MVP Aniyah Jackson delivered the biggest swing of the day — a two-run home run to left field that gave Claflin critical separation.
The Rams continued to apply pressure, highlighted by a two-run home run from Koralie Morin in the fourth inning, but Claflin’s pitching staff limited further damage and preserved the one-run advantage.
In the circle, Katelynn Grissom started for the Panthers before turning the game over to the bullpen. Sydra Pendleton closed the championship with a scoreless seventh inning, retiring the side to seal the victory.
With the win, Claflin improves to 31–12 overall and continues a historic postseason run highlighted by the program’s second CIAA softball championship, while Aniyah Jackson was honored as the CIAA Championship Most Valuable Player.
2026 CIAA Softball All-Tournament Team
- Tamarah Lowery, Pitcher – Fayetteville State
- Paige Whittington, Outfielder – Bluefield State
- Presleigh Braxton, Catcher – Bowie State
- Angelina Nguyen-Nhu, First Base – Bowie State
- Riley Demers – Winston-Salem State
- Jyla Thomas – Winston-Salem State
- Aniyah Jackson, Second Base – Claflin (Championship MVP)
- Katelynn Grissom, Pitcher – Claflin
- Aryana Meadows, Third Base/Utility – Claflin