RALEIGH, NC- The VSU Trojan softball team split the first day of the 2016 CIAA Championships at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, NC on April 28. The Trojans fell to the Lady Broncos of Fayetteville State University with a score of 7-5 in game 1, but survived the elimination round against the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University with a final score of 10-4.
The contest began with a scoreless first two innings. FSU jumped ahead, taking the 7-0 lead at the bottom of the 5
th inning. The 6
th inning was scoreless as the score remained the same.
The Trojans rallied back in the final inning with 5 runs by senior
Verlisha Brandon (Halifax, VA), sophomore
Tatyana Jordan (Chesterfield, VA), senior
Lindsey Wilkins (Nelson, VA), senior
Cameryn Smith (Powhatan, VA) and junior
Janay Joseph (Eastern Shore, VA). VSU was not able to tie the game, taking the 7-5 loss.
VSU went on to face the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University in the elimination round.
All-CIAA second team centerfielder
Tatyana Jordan lead the team with 3 runs while All-Rookie team shortstop
Amirah Chaney (Passaic, NJ) was close behind with 2 runs. Advancing home with a single run were junior
Marissa Hughes (Upper Marlboro, MD), sophomore
Rebecca Elder (Chesterfield, VA), senior
Briana Pierce (Halifax, VA), Smith and Brandon.
The Trojans raced to a 5-0 lead against Johnson C. Smith to grab the momentum early. The Golden Bulls plated two runs in the second, but surrendered four runs over the course of the next four innings to fall behind 9-2. VSU held onto the momentum and easily secured the 10-4 win over the Golden Bulls behind a 17-hit team performance.
As the CIAA postseason play continues, VSU is prepared to face the Lady Broncos for the second time during the post season. The game is set for 10am.
The CIAA Softball Championship games will be played at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex in Raleigh, NC on April 28-30.
For more information on VSU Trojans softball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.
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