ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Fayetteville State (13-19 overall secured a decisive 9-4 victory against Elizabeth City State in a thrilling softball game on Wednesday during the second round of the CIAA Softball Championship Tournament.
The game started with Elizabeth City State (7-26) taking an early lead in the first inning when Courtney Ward popped up to center field, allowing Eboni Bailey to score on a sacrifice fly. Fayetteville State quickly responded with a series of impressive plays. Aniya Caldwell scored on a throwing error by the shortstop, followed by Madison Heath advancing to second base. Xztashya Porter then tripled to left field, bringing Heath home. Treja Patterson continued the momentum with a triple to center field, scoring Porter. Sydney Jackson singled to left field, driving in Patterson. The inning was capped off by Cheyenne Payne's three-run homer to left field, scoring Jackson and Angelica Locklear, both unearned runs.
Elizabeth City State managed to add two more runs in the fourth and fifth innings, with Camdyn Peck singling to center field to bring Karrigan Belangia home, and Sophia Simmons scoring on a wild pitch. Fayetteville State extended their lead in the sixth inning with Cheyenne Payne's bunt single, advancing to third base and scoring Olivia Jackson on an error by the first baseman. Aniya Caldwell's sacrifice fly to left field brought Payne home, further solidifying their lead.
Despite a late effort by Elizabeth City State in the seventh inning, with Courtney Ward doubling to left center and scoring Ema Cebrian, Fayetteville State's defense held strong. Tamarah Lowery (5-7) pitched a complete game, allowing six hits and four runs, with two strikeouts and two walks.
Fayetteville State's next game is scheduled for Saturday against Winston-Salem State.
