4S Winston-Salem State 7, 1N Bowie State 5
Friday, May 8 | Orangeburg Recreation Park | Orangeburg, S.C.

Winston-Salem State secured its spot in the 2026 CIAA Softball Championship Game with a gritty 7–5 semifinal victory over Bowie State on Friday afternoon in Orangeburg.

The Rams set the tone early, erupting for four runs in the top of the first inning to take control. Winston-Salem State added a run in the fourth and appeared to gain breathing room with a two-run seventh inning, pushing the margin to 7–2.

Bowie State refused to go quietly, mounting a late rally in the bottom of the seventh. The Bulldogs scored three runs in the frame, highlighted by timely extra-base hits, to cut the deficit to 7–5 and bring the tying run to the plate. However, Winston-Salem State pitcher Jyla Thomas forced the final out to end the threat and preserve the win.

Thomas went the distance in the circle, allowing five runs on nine hits while striking out three. Despite issuing five walks, she worked out of multiple jams as the Rams committed no defensive errors behind her.

Offensively, Winston-Salem State finished with five hits and drew nine walks. Layla Smith scored twice, Riley Demers drove in a run, and Koralie Morin continued her strong tournament performance with two hits. The Rams capitalized on Bowie State’s two errors to manufacture key runs.

Bowie State collected nine hits, with Taylor Dawkins driving in two runs and Mikayla Amos adding an RBI double during the late push. The Bulldogs were unable to overcome the early deficit and left nine runners on base.

With the win, Winston-Salem State advances to the CIAA Softball Championship Game, where the Rams will face Claflin University in a tournament rematch. First pitch for the championship game is scheduled for Saturday at 1:00 p.m., with the CIAA title on the line.