The Virginia Union University softball team defeated Claflin University with a dramatic 8-7 win on the first day of the CIAA Softball Roundup on Friday, March 21, in Raleigh, N.C.

The Lady Panthers scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning after VUU's Nevaeh Johnson reached first on an error by the Claflin pitcher.

Johnson advanced to second when Kallie Garland walked.  Garland then scored when Yonah Rogers singled to left field.

VUU's Head Softball Coach, Dominique Mulero, was ecstatic after the win.

"First off, let's start with, wow, what a game," said Mulero.  "Claflin came out swinging and we got down early, but that didn't stop us! Our bats came alive FINALLY as we batted, as a team, over .600, which is amazing! Aysha Chaney, Yonah Rogers, Nevaeh Johnson, Akhi Jenkins, Jayda Robinson and we cannot forget Jailyn Myrick with the walk off RBI. Regardless, everyone played a part in this win! Defensively, we had great plays by Caston Garland, and we had a great save on the mound by Skylar Rosenbalm! Everything went right for us this game and I couldn't be prouder of our outcome! We have two more games to go and we're planning to leave here with two more wins!"

The win gave VUU a split on the first day of the roundup.  Winston-Salem State University defeated the Lady Panthers 7-5 in the opening game.

VUU will now face Shaw University and Livingstone College on the second day of the CIAA Roundup on Saturday, March 22.