Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 RALEIGH, N.C. – The Virginia Union University softball team closed out the 2026 CIAA Softball Roundup in impressive fashion, defeating Livingstone College 13-6 and Shaw University 13-4 on Saturday, March 28, in Raleigh, N.C.

The victories gave the Lady Panthers a 5-1 record over the three-day event, marking the most wins by a Virginia Union team in the history of the CIAA Softball Roundup. It also represents the first time the Panthers finished the roundup with just one loss since the 2013 squad posted a 2-1 record in that year's event.

In the opening game against Livingstone, Virginia Union powered its way to victory behind home runs from Janiya Brown and Madison Hayes. Pitcher Elisia Gonzalez-Hayes delivered a strong performance in the circle, earning the complete-game win over seven innings.

The Panthers continued their offensive surge in the second game against Shaw. Madison Hayes delivered a key triple, helping VUU build a comfortable lead. In the circle, Elisia Gonzalez-Pettis struck out two batters over five innings to secure the win.

Virginia Union Head Softball Coach Dominique Mulero praised her team's effort throughout the demanding three-day tournament.

"It's been a long three days, but I couldn't be prouder of this team," said Mulero. "Every single person contributed to our success this week. This team is something special and we knew going into the CIAA Roundup that we were ready to make a statement and that's just what we did. We didn't let the moment get too big; we stayed within ourselves and played good VUU softball. Hats off to Jenna Nicolski and Elisia Gonzalez-Pettis for the heavy load they both carried this weekend."

Virginia Union will now return home to Richmond, Va., where the Panthers will face Mid-Atlantic Christian University in a non-conference doubleheader on Wednesday, April 1. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at the VUU Softball Field.