The Virginia Union University Lady Panthers are making a triumphant return to the semi-finals of the CIAA Tournament, defeating Claflin University 59-55 on February 27 at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Md. This marks the team's first appearance in the semi-finals in five years, and the excitement is palpable as they continue their impressive run in the tournament.

A Solid Performance Under Pressure
Leading the charge for the Lady Panthers was Tatiana Jones, who scored 14 points in the tight contest. Her offensive performance was instrumental in securing the win, especially as the game came down to the wire. Alongside Jones, Taniyah Greene was a key contributor on the boards, pulling down 10 crucial rebounds to help her team maintain control of the game's tempo.

Head Coach Tierra Terry, who was celebrating her first-ever tournament win as a head coach, had high praise for her team's resilience. "It was an ugly start, but we found a way to get through it. This team has pushed through a lot of adversity this year, and they've shown perseverance. We never got too high or too low. While we might have had moments of frustration, we pushed through the adversity. I'm just so ecstatic that this group has made it to the final four, and I know what they have inside of them. To see it is a beautiful thing," said Terry.

A Historic Moment for VUU Women's Basketball
The win not only secures a place in the semi-finals but also continues an inspiring season for the Lady Panthers, who now boast a 21-6 record. Their journey to this point has been marked by growth and resilience, making their success even more rewarding.

Next up, the Lady Panthers will face Fayetteville State at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 28, at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. With momentum on their side, the Lady Panthers are determined to keep their historic run alive and are focused on continuing their push toward a CIAA Championship.

Stay tuned as Virginia Union University's women's basketball team looks to make history and bring home the trophy!