RALEIGH, N.C. – The Virginia Union University softball team split its efforts on the second day of the 2026 CIAA Softball Roundup, earning a 7-1 victory over Winston-Salem State University before falling 9-1 to Claflin University on Friday in Raleigh, N.C.
Virginia Union 7, Winston-Salem State 1
Virginia Union set the tone early in the opening game, using a five-run second inning to pull away from Winston-Salem State.
The Lady Panthers capitalized on timely hitting in the inning, highlighted by a two-run double from
Janiya Brown that helped fuel the offensive surge and give VUU a commanding lead.
Virginia Union continued to pressure Winston-Salem State offensively throughout the game while the defense and pitching held the Rams in check.
Elisia Gonzalez-Pettis earned the win in the circle for the Lady Panthers, striking out three batters over seven innings of work while limiting Winston-Salem State to just one run.
Claflin 9, Virginia Union 1
In the second game of the day, Claflin jumped out to an early advantage and maintained control to secure the victory.
Virginia Union's lone run came in the second inning when
Jenna Nicolski singled to drive in
Danae Goree.
Despite several solid hits, the Lady Panthers were unable to string together enough offense to close the gap.
Coach's Comments
"In game one we started off with a big defensive play by
Janiya Brown and
Jenna Nicolski," said VUU Head Softball Coach
Dominique Mulero. "That set the tone early for us and we were able to jump on them early. Offensively we were strong from the first inning to the last, getting base runners on each inning. We did leave quite a few runners on, and that is something we will continue to work on. What we have been working on and executing very well is our plate discipline.
"In game two we got down early and just felt a little bit flat. We were tired and that showed early, but we hung in there. We had solid hits but just struggled finding the holes. We have two more to end our trip and we're looking to come out strong and finish strong. One game at a time."
Virginia Union will wrap up play in the CIAA Softball Roundup on Saturday, March 28, when the Lady Panthers face Livingstone College and Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C.