Orangeburg, SC – Bluefield State University softball is set to kick off their post-season run against Shaw University in the opening round of the CIAA Softball Championship.
The Big Blue enter the tournament with a 21-24 overall record and a strong 10-6 mark in conference play. The offense is powered by Paige Whittington, who boasts a .476 batting average and has been a terror on the base path with 49 stolen bases. Sydney Leadbetter has been the primary run-producer, leading the team with 28 RBIs while maintaining a .360 average. In her freshman season, Skyy Hicks adds significant depth to the lineup, hitting .372 with 42 hits and 37 runs scored. Defensively, Kyla Jones has anchored the field with a team-high 175 putouts. In the circle, Yonah Rogers leads the pitching staff 11 wins and 50 strikeouts over 126 innings of work.
The Shaw University Bears entered the contest with an 8-27 overall record (7-9 in the CIAA). They are led at the plate by Cyndia Dobbins, who carried a team-best .475 batting average with 38 hits and 10 doubles. Imari Jordan and Tyler Lewis provide steady production, both hitting .329 on the season. Jordan also leads defensively with 123 putouts. In the circle, Syhia Marks has been the workhorse for Shaw, recording five wins and striking out 86 batters in 117.1 innings.
