ETTRICK, VA- VSU Softball punched their ticket to the CIAA Championship semifinal after an impressive 8-0 shutout over the Broncos of Fayetteville State University at VSU this afternoon.

CIAA Softball Championship Information | Tournament Bracket
 
The Trojans entered the contest as the No. 4 seed in the conference championship, thus earning home field advantage over the No. 5 seeded Broncos.
 
With the win, the Trojans improve to a 12-17 overall record, 11-6 in the CIAA. 
 
Final Score: Trojans 8 – Broncos 0
VSU- 14 Hits, 8 RBIs, 2 Errors | FSU 0 Hits, 0 RBIs, 0 Errors
Player Highlights: Kara Green clinched the win on the mound going the distance for VSU, allowing no hits, and delivering six strikeouts.
Nia Hall had an explosive day for the Trojans scoring two runs, three RBIs, and two hits, while Alaijah Pratt recorded three hits on three at-bats, a run, and an RBI.
 
How It Happened: The Broncos walked on their first at-bat and stole second base but that was the only sign of hope the Trojans defense allowed the Broncos to enjoy in the opening inning.
 
VSU started the first inning with a walk as well, but the Trojans were able to set the tempo for the day with a triple from Hall to advance Pratt and Hailey Darrington home to give VSU a 2-0 lead. 
 
Hall's solid hit was rewarded with a run scored as she advanced home off a single to first base from Reina Washington. 
 
The Trojans took a 3-0 lead into the second inning and didn't look back. 
 
Green cleared the Broncos out in four or fewer at-bats throughout the remaining four innings. Meanwhile, Horton and Hall scored runs in the second inning off a pair of doubles from Hall and Skye Corum to make it a 5-0 VSU lead. 
 
Serenity Barbie and Darrington each scored runs in the third inning as the Trojans hitting slaughter continued. 
 
Kyla Graves scored off a single from Darrington in the bottom of the fourth inning to position the Trojans to close the game out off the run-ahead rule. 
 
Green finished the job on the mound with a strikeout to put the nail in the coffin as the Trojans clinched the 8-0 shutout advancing to the CIAA Semifinal. 

Next Up: The Trojans will face the No. 1 seeded Bulldogs of Bowie State University in the CIAA Championship semifinal game on Friday, May 2 in Glen Allen, VA at the RF&P Park located at 3400 Mountain Road Glen Allen, VA 23060. 

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