Box Score Columbia, S.C. --- The Clark Atlanta University Lady Panthers knew they were in for a tough opening game when they drew Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) leader Stillman College in the first round of the Softball Championship on Thursday, and the top-seeded Lady Tigers showed exactly why they were at the top as they earned the victory, 8-0. 

Despite the score, the game remained close through the top half of the second inning, as the two teams went into the bottom of the second frame tied at zero. A problem with the rubber in the pitching circle would stop the game for 33 minutes with Lady Tigers on first and third and no outs. When they resumed play, Stillman would bring one run home to break the tie going into the third frame. 

Stillman would add three runs in the third, and a run in the fourth to push their lead to 5-0 going into the fifth, and what would be final inning. Errors would ultimately do CAU in as they committed two in the bottom of the fifth, allowing SC to reach the run-rule limit for the victory. 

Despite getting runners into scoring position on multiple occasions, the Lady Panthers were unable to bring any runners across the plate in the contest. Veranae Woods pitched a complete game for the Lady Panthers in the loss, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits. Tenecia Winston had two of the three hits for Clark Atlanta, with Jessica Vason adding the other as both recorded one double, but were unable to reach home. 

The Lady Panthers will now take on Fort Valley State at 10 am on Friday, with the winner advancing in the tournament, and the loser going home. 

For updates on the tournament, please log on to clarkatlantasports.com.