Virginia State Falls to Claflin, 11–3, in Five-Inning Contest
 

Orangeburg, SC – The Virginia State University Trojans lost their latest matchup against Claflin University on Tuesday afternoon, falling 11–3 in a five-inning game that was cut short due to the run rule.

Claflin took an early lead, scoring three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Back-to-back singles from Aniyah Jackson and Lauryn Foster, followed by two wild pitches and an RBI walk, helped the Panthers gain momentum. They added two more runs in the second inning with a double from Jordan Toler and aggressive baserunning on a passed ball, extending their lead to 5–0.

Virginia State struggled offensively throughout the first four innings, as Claflin's pitching kept the Trojan bats quiet. The Panthers continued to apply pressure, adding three runs in the fourth inning due to a hit-by-pitch, a bunt single, and defensive miscues from VSU, which allowed Claflin to take a commanding 8–0 lead.

The Trojans displayed some resilience in the fifth inning. Chloe Garland led off with a single, followed by an error and a fielder's choice that put runners in scoring position. Reina Washington drove in the first run for VSU, and Hailey Darrington added a clutch two-RBI single, cutting the deficit to 8–3.

However, Claflin responded quickly in the bottom half of the inning. Mikah Fluellen tripled and later scored on a bunt, and Jeniah Williams delivered a two-RBI single to secure the 11–3 victory for Claflin via the eight-run rule.

Darrington stood out for VSU, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs, while Garland also collected two hits. Defensive errors (three total) and seven walks issued by the pitching staff proved costly for the Trojans.

The Trojans will look to regroup as they prepare for their next conference matchup, scheduled for Friday, May 2, at 10 am going against the loser of game 5.