PETERSBURG, VA – The Virginia State University Trojans (21-6) opened the 2014 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Softball Championship Tournament with a victory over the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith (13-23), 5-1 on Thursday at the Petersburg Sports Complex.

After no score for both teams in the first inning, the Trojans broke things open in the second inning with one run while earning three runs in the third inning following one run in the fourth.

VSU's Jameshia Smith (Halifax, VA), Jamilia Smith (Halifax, VA), Endya Bailey (Portland, OR), Sade Holmes (Caroline County, VA) and Ralea Taylor (Aquasco, MD) all earned an RBI for a total of five on the game.

CIAA Softball Player of the Year, Jessica Mattia (Accokeek, MD) took the win at the mound allowing just one run while collecting seven strikeouts.

With the win, the Trojans improve to 21-6 overall and advance on to the winner's bracket in the quarterfinals.

The team will face the Lady Falcons of St. Augustine's University at the Petersburg Sports Complex. First pitch is slated for 5:00 pm.

For more information on Trojans softball, contact the VSU Office of Sports Information at (804) 524-5028 or log on to www.govsutrojans.com