Bowie State Repeats as CIAA Softball Champions with 11-8 Victory Over Claflin
Glen Allen, VA – The Bowie State University Bulldogs softball team is heading to the NCAA Division II postseason for the fifth time in school history after capturing the 2024 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championship at the RF&P Park, beating the Panthers of Claflin University by a score of 11-8.- The Bowie State University Bulldogs softball team is heading to the NCAA Division II postseason for the fifth time in school history after capturing the 2024 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Championship at the RF&P Park, beating the Panthers of Claflin University by a score of 11-8.
In a highly anticipated rematch of last years’ championship, the Claflin Panthers were seeking revenge against the Bulldogs of Bowie State in a game that had many on the edge of their seats.The game kicked off with a bang as Claflin’s Jaelyn Jackson homered to left field, setting the tone for an intense matchup. However, Bowie State quickly responded, with Presleigh Braxton’s double to center field bringing Coreena Dunham home, leveling the score. The back-and-forth action continued as both teams fought tooth and nail for control. Claflin surged ahead in the second inning, courtesy of Morgan Tate’s RBI single and McKenzie Whitener groundout, giving them a narrow lead. Undeterred, Bowie State fought back with determination, with Coreena Dunham’s homer in the fourth inning igniting their comeback. As the game reached its peak, both teams traded blows, refusing to back down. In a dramatic sixth inning, Bowie State seized the lead with a flurry of runs, propelled by Taylor Dawkins’s crafty baserunning and clutch hits from Akirra Pullen and Saniya Jones. Despite Claflin’s courageous efforts, Bowie State came out on top with a hard-fought 11-8 win, securing their place as the 2024 CIAA Softball Champions.
In addition to announcing our champion, the 2024 CIAA Softball Championship also saw the announcement of the All-Tournament Team, recognizing the standout performers who displayed remarkable skill and contribution throughout the tournament. Players from both Bowie State University, Claflin University, Lincoln University (PA), Virginia State University, and Winston-Salem State University demonstrated their talent and determination, earning well-deserved spots on this prominent roster. As the tournament progressed, these standout athletes distinguished themselves with remarkable performances, further enhancing the excitement and prestige of the CIAA Softball Championship.
2024 CIAA Softball All-Tournament Team:
Tia Brown, Lincoln (PA)
Haley Darlington, Virginia State
Zecariya Fenwick, Claflin
Shamya Hankins, Virginia State
*Jayla Hill, Bowie State
Mylia Knight, Virginia State
Akirra Pullen, Bowie State
Morgan Tate, Claflin
Jyla Thomas, Winston-Salem State
*MVP
The 2024 DII softball championship kicks off with a selection show on Monday, May 6 at 10 a.m. ET streamed live on NCAA.com. Regional competition will begin May 9 and championship games will take place May 19-25 in Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood, FL.
