Fayetteville State University Athletics

The 2001 Fayetteville State University Softball Team authored one of the finest seasons in program history, combining offensive firepower, dominant conference play, and championship-caliber consistency to establish itself among the greatest teams ever to wear the Bronco uniform. The squad finished with an outstanding 29-13 overall record and captured the CIAA Southern Division title with a remarkable 12-2 conference mark, cementing its place in Fayetteville State athletics history. 

Under the leadership of Head Coach Gail Mays, the Broncos emerged as one of the most productive offensive teams in the CIAA. Fayetteville State compiled a team batting average of.352, scoring 375 runs on 384 hits, while recording 52 doubles, 42 triples, 10 home runs, and 181 stolen bases. The Broncos' speed, power, and aggressive style of play overwhelmed opponents throughout the season. 

The lineup featured several of the most productive players in the conference:

• LaChaka Humphrey led the team with a.480 batting average, collecting 60 hits, 53 RBIs, and 26 stolen bases. 
• Josephine Prince hit.438, scoring 49 runs while adding 37 RBIs and 43 stolen bases. 
• Latasha Ham batted.412 with 54 hits and 34 RBIs while serving as one of the team's top pitchers. 
• Tiffany Douglas posted a.400 average and drove in 27 runs. 
• LaKelli Butler recorded a.389 average with a team-high 51 RBIs.

The Broncos' success extended to the pitching circle, where a talented staff helped Fayetteville State post a 4.41 team ERA while striking out 80 batters in 259 innings. Freshman pitcher Angela Rich carried the bulk of the workload, compiling a 23-11 record, throwing 211 innings, and recording 53 strikeouts. Fellow pitchers Latasha Ham, Petrice Butler, and Josephine Prince provided valuable depth throughout the season. 

Defensively, Fayetteville State turned 26 double plays, nearly tripling its opponents' total, while consistently making the key plays necessary to secure victories. Combined with a potent offense and reliable pitching, the Broncos established themselves as one of the CIAA's premier teams. 

Fayetteville State's road to the 2001 CIAA Softball Championship was anything but easy. After opening the tournament with a victory, the Broncos suffered an early setback before battling through the loser's bracket and winning five consecutive elimination games to capture the conference title.

The Broncos opened the tournament in Raleigh with a 3-1 victory over Bowie State University, advancing in the winner's bracket. Their championship hopes were immediately tested in the second round when they fell to Shaw University, 5-3, forcing Fayetteville State into the elimination bracket.

Facing a must-win situation, the Broncos responded with one of their best offensive performances of the tournament, defeating Saint Augustine's College, 11-4, to keep their championship aspirations alive. Later that same day, Fayetteville State outlasted North Carolina Central University, 9-8, in a thrilling one-run contest that advanced the Broncos deeper into the bracket.

On championship Saturday, Fayetteville State's offense continued to surge as the Broncos avenged their earlier loss to Shaw University with a dominant 16-2 victory, earning a spot in the semifinals. The Broncos then defeated Winston-Salem State University, 8-6, in the semifinals to advance to the championship game.

With the title on the line, Fayetteville State completed its remarkable tournament run by shutting out Winston-Salem State University, 2-0, in the championship game to claim the 2001 CIAA Softball Championship.

Over the course of the tournament, the Broncos posted a 6-1 record, scoring 52 runs while overcoming an early defeat to win five consecutive games. The championship run showcased the resilience, offensive firepower, and determination that defined one of the greatest teams in Fayetteville State softball history.

Tournament Results

• W, 3-1 vs. Bowie State University
• L, 5-3 vs. Shaw University
• W, 11-4 vs. Saint Augustine's College
• W, 9-8 vs. North Carolina Central University
• W, 16-2 vs. Shaw University
• W, 8-6 vs. Winston-Salem State University (Semifinals)
• W, 2-0 vs. Winston-Salem State University (Championship Game)

After falling into the elimination bracket, the Broncos displayed championship grit, winning five straight games over two days and outscoring their opponents 49-25 during that stretch en route to the CIAA crown.

More than two decades later, the 2001 team remains one of the benchmarks for excellence in Bronco Softball. Their conference championship pursuit, offensive records, winning tradition, and impact on the growth of the program helped lay the foundation for future success.