RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Union University softball team split its Senior Day doubleheader against Virginia State University on Sunday, dropping a high-scoring opener before rallying to claim the nightcap. The Lady Panthers fell 12-9 in game one but responded with an 8-5 victory in game two to earn their 17th win of the season—the program's highest total since the 1988 team won 19 games.
In the opener, Virginia Union found itself in an early hole but showed determination throughout, battling back with a late offensive surge. The Lady Panthers tallied nine runs on the day, highlighted by timely hitting and aggressive base running, but the deficit proved too large to overcome in the 12-9 loss.
Game two saw a more composed and confident Virginia Union squad take the field. Despite again facing an early deficit, the Lady Panthers quickly settled in and controlled the tempo of the game. VUU's offense came alive with consistent production at the plate, while the pitching staff limited Virginia State's opportunities down the stretch to secure the 8-5 win.
"I think we let the moment get a little too big for us in the first game," said VUU Head Softball Coach Dominique Mulero. "We came back with a lot of fight, but it was just a little too late. In the second game we got down early, but it was our ball game from the start, and we knew we had it.
Skylar Rosenbalm pitched amazing in both games, and then the hitting came alive."
Skylar Rosenbalm delivered a standout performance in the circle across both contests, keeping the Lady Panthers competitive while also contributing to the team's overall momentum.
Virginia Union produced several key extra-base hits across the Senior Day doubleheader, generating offensive momentum in both contests. In game one,
Elisia Gonzalez-Pettis accounted for the Lady Panthers' lone extra-base hit with a double. The bats came alive in game two, as Kamryn Walker added a double, while Gonzalez-Pettis delivered a standout performance with two doubles.
Janiya Brown highlighted the effort with a home run, providing a major spark in VUU's 8-5 victory.
The split gives Virginia Union 17 wins on the season, marking the program's best finish in nearly four decades and providing strong momentum heading into postseason play.
The Lady Panthers will now prepare for the 2026 CIAA Championship Softball Tournament, scheduled for May 7–9 in Orangeburg, S.C.
