RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Union University Lady Panthers turned in a strong performance while hosting the first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Flag Football Round-Up this weekend at Hovey Field. Virginia Union finished the two-day event with a 3–1 record against conference opponents.

The Lady Panthers opened the weekend on Friday with a narrow defensive battle against Claflin University, falling 6–0.

Virginia Union quickly rebounded in its next contest, shutting out Winston-Salem State University 6–0 behind a strong defensive effort.

The momentum continued later in the day as the Lady Panthers defeated Livingstone College 12–0, marking the team's second shutout victory of the round-up.

Virginia Union capped the weekend with its most dramatic contest, edging Johnson C. Smith University 13–12 in overtime to secure a winning 3–1 record for the event.

"Our defense has been playing lights out for us all weekend," said VUU Head Flag Football Coach Deaundra Barfield. "In the first game of Round Up 1, we started off very slow. As the game progressed, we began to gain momentum. It's never about how you start, but how you finish. We had a bend-but-don't-break mentality."

Barfield credited the team's resilience throughout the weekend.

"I'm proud that we ended the weekend with a 3–1 record," Barfield added. "I look forward to breaking down the film so we can correct our mistakes and continue moving forward."

The strong showing gives the Lady Panthers positive momentum as CIAA flag football play continues throughout the spring season.